Abstract

GARCIA RODRIGUEZ, Miguel E; FRANCO-SALAZAR, Víctor A  and  VELIZ, José A. Growth and ionic content of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. F. (aloe) under different nacl concentrations. Saber [online]. 2014, vol.26, n.4, pp.373-384. ISSN 1315-0162.

In order to evaluate the effect of salinity on Aloe vera, visual symptoms, growth (new leaves, necrotic basal leaves, leaf volume and fresh and dry biomass), and ionic content (K⁺, Na⁺, Cl^-, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) were studied in hydroponically cultivated plants during 75 days under different saline concentration: 0, 50, 100, 150, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mol.m^-3 NaCl. In general, the plants survived the experiment; however, the number of new leaves, leaf volume, fresh and dry biomass decreased in the salt treatments. Furthermore, the number of necrotic basal leaves increased, and dehydration and roots necrosis were observed. Salt treatments increased the concentration of K⁺, Na⁺, Cl-, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ but that of K⁺ decreased. The results revealed that, although plants survived to salinities as far as 300 mol.m^-3 NaCl, their growth was adversely affected as of 50 mol.m^-3 NaCl, with more drastic effects as the salinity increases, at the same time that visual symptoms appear and ion contents are altered.

Keywords : Biomass; leaf volume; cultured hydroponic; salinity.

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