Growth and salt balance of the halophyte salicornia brachiata in relation to salinity

Salicornia brachiata is a stem succulent annual halophyte, which is widely distributed in the saltpans of Eastern Part of Pichavaram . Plant samples of Salicornia brachiata were collected from different localities around the East costal part of Tamilnadu, Pichavaram, during the months of June, July, August and September. Salinity and pH of the soils and plants was investigated and the relationship between these parameters tested statistically. The soil salinity values showed that the highest values were obtained in August, but after the rainfall in September these values started to decrease. The plant salinity values showed a parallel variation with the soil salinity values. The correlation between these two parameters was found to be positive and linear. No statistical relationship was obtained between soil–plant salinity and pH. This study reports the effect of salinity (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000mM NaCl) on the growth, succulence, osmotic and water relations of the species under greenhouse conditions. Fresh and dry weight of plants increased with an increase in salinity. Optimal growth of S. brachiata plants were recorded at 400mM NaCl and the growth declined with a further increase in salinity. Both sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) and Nitrogen (N) contents of plants increased with an increase in salinity, while Phosphorus content decreased. Succulence of shoots increased at low salinity and decreased at high salinity.