The effects of salinity on yield and quality of ornamental plants and cut flowers

Abstract

This review was performed to determine the impact of salinity on plant performance, flower yield and quality of ornamental plants and cut flowers. Salt stress has a major effect on agricultural productivity. This subject is especially related with greenhouse cultivation, where the inorganic chemicals and fertilizers accumulate on the surface level of soil, which causes salinity. Ornamental plants are often grown in plastic houses. Salinity impacts almost all aspects of plant growth and development. The responses to salinity vary not only among the different ornamental crops but also among the different organs of a plant. Depending on osmotic upset, some physiological changes occur in, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and root and leaf activity. Consequently, reduction of flower quality (color, size, stem thickness and length) and yield might be observed.

These changes may permit their use as parameters in salt tolerance screening.