Development changes in calla lily plants due to salt stress

Abstract

Soil salinity is mainly caused by excessive use of fertilizers and the use of poor quality water, and adversely affected crop growth especially when grown in protected environments. Soil salinity causes salt stress in plants, which inhibits plant growth, leading to morphological, metabolic and physiological changes. Though it is a major problem occurs more frequently, there is less information on the behavior of calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) under these conditions, and most studies are conducted with other species of the genus Zantesdeschia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate ecophysiological, biochemical and anatomical growth responses of calla lily plants to salt stress. Rhizomes were grown in trays containing coconut fiber as a substrate and treated with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl to induce stress. A decrease in plant height was observed, as well as in the number of tillers and leaves, main root length, fresh and dry matter of the shoot and root system. A reduction in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate was observed at 60 days. However, after 90 days, the photosynthetic rate was unchanged, with increased stomatal conductance and transpiration rate for plants exposed to 75 mM NaCl. Salt stress caused a higher accumulation of carbohydrates in shoots and roots. Thus, high concentrations of NaCl affect the development of calla lily, indicating that this species is susceptible to salt stress.