Physiological, chemical and growth responses of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) to boron under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Purpose: Boron toxicity is an important factor, which reduces crop productivity, quality and medicinal characteristics around the world. Research method: This research was conducted to investigate the effect of different boron (B) concentrations on growth, chemical and physiological characteristics of Satureja hortensis plants under greenhouse conditions in 2016. The experiment was conducted in a glasshouse with 25±3 °C and 15±3 °C (day-night) temperatures, 60% relative humidity and 340 ppm CO2 concentration. Treatments were different B concentrations as H3BO3 that used via irrigation water including 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg L–1. Main findings: Results indicated that total nitrogen, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, chlorophyll a, b and total, leaf number, relative water content (RWC), specific leaf weight (SLW), areal fresh and dry weights significantly decreased by B increase. On the other hand, increased B concentration in leaf was led to increasing of F0, ΦN0, proline, total carbohydrate and phenolics, specific leaf area and leaf electrolyte leakage. Limitations: No significant limitation to report. Originality/Value: It is concluded that summer savory can tolerate B concentrations up to 10 mg L–1, and leaf boron accumulation significantly inhibited, however, increased with more B concentration of root medium, which affected all physiological aspects mentioned above.