The effect of plant densities on glasswort growth and yield in floating system

E. Okudur, Y. Tüzel
Salinity is one of the most important problems threatening global food security and environmental sustainability. Halophytes are considered to be one of the best salt-tolerant plants. In this study, Salicornia perennis Mill. which belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, has been selected as promising food crop and tested in floating culture to determine the effect of plant densities on growth and yield of glasswort. To keep the plants afloat, a 20-mm thick styrofoam with holes for pots was used on the solution. Perforated pots were placed at a distance of 15 cm between rows and 20 cm on the row. The experiment was set up with the number of seedlings as 1 (22.12 plants m‑2), 2 (44.24 plants m‑2), 4 (88.48 plants m‑2) and 6 (132.72 plants m‑2) in each pot. The solution EC was adjusted by adding sodium chloride to Hoagland nutrient solution. The highest plant height, root length, root fresh weight and stem diameter were 33.5 cm plant‑1 (22.12 plant m‑2), 81.83 cm pot‑1 (88.48 plant m‑2), 72.57 g (132.72 plant m‑2) and 8.16 mm plant‑1 (22.12 plants m‑2), respectively. L*, b* and C* values of shoots were found to be statistically significant while h° and a* were not found to be significant. Glasswort fresh biomass was 4907.23 g m‑2 obtained from 132.72 plants m‑2. It was concluded that higher plant density increases the yield as fresh biomass, however, plant growth parameters shows differences due to the plant density.
Okudur, E. and Tüzel, Y. (2025). The effect of plant densities on glasswort growth and yield in floating system. Acta Hortic. 1416, 281-286
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1416.37
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1416.37
soilless culture, hydroponics, halophyte, Hoagland and Arnon, Salicornia perennis Mill
English

Acta Horticulturae