Mineral Nutrition and Chlorophylls of Cucumis melo L. Grown under Different Saline Conditions in a Protected Wetland Area

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the responses of melon plants (Cucumis melo L.) under soil salinity (S1: 0.5 dS m-1, S2: 1.0 dS m-1 and S3: 2.5 dS m-1). The irrigation water was from a drainage water channel system following the traditional and sustainable irrigation system. Mineral nutrition, water content and chlorophyll in leaves were studied at flowering and harvesting periods. Nutrient and water content parameters were measured in leaf blades and petioles. Results evidenced significant differences in N, K and Na content. N significantly decreased in response to soil salinity in leaf blades. However, salinity significantly increased K and Na uptake. Macronutrients and micronutrients showed higher concentrations in leaf blades than petioles, except for Kand Na. K/Na ratio was higher in response to soil salinity. Higher K/Na ratio in leaf blades might indicate selectivity for K instead of Na as a strategy to combat salt stress. Significant differences were observed for the chlorophyll content with salinity, decreasing values at higher soil salinity.