Salinity is one of the most common abiotic stresses that reduces crop production and is a serious threat to agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a very popular medicinal plant; therefore, studying the effects of salt stress on the yield and growth of this plant is of great importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity (NaCl) on the growth and some phytochemical properties of roselle in various concentrations of NaCl (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 mM). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Roselle seeds were sown in a mixture of perlite and pumice (Pomedia) in 12 L pots. Electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of the solution were monitored during the experiment period. A given solution was daily added to the pots. Results indicated that phytochemical properties such as soluble solids, vitamin C, antioxidants, and anthocyanin were significantly affected by salinity. The concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants in 140 mM treatment were increased 74.8% and 5% compared to control, respectively. There was a positive correlation between antioxidant and vitamin C. Salinity significantly altered the growth of roselle in terms of fruit diameter and fruit fresh weight fruit juice, fresh weight of fruit seed was significant reduced by salinity the lowest fruit diameter and fruit fresh weight was observed in 140 mM NaCl. The reduction of plant growth was clear in salinity treatments however, the death of plant was not observed. According to the results of this experiment, the roselle plant has a tolerance of 140 mM to sodium chloride salinity.
nooralizadeh Z, Tabatabaie J. Effect of Sodium Chloride Salinity on the Growth and Some Phytochemical Properties of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). IJHST 2021; 22 (1) :89-98 URL: http://journal-irshs.ir/article-1-356-en.html