Effect of Salt Spray on Six Ornamental Species

Marine aerosol strongly affects the growth and development of urban, garden and landscape plants. The few studies available are focused on the sodium chloride effect on plant growth, usually applied in the irrigation water or substrate media. No information is available on responses of plants to marine aerosol. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of some species to sea water nebulisation treatment. Species were selected among those that are commonly used along the seaside and among those that might be potentially used. Plants were bought from local nursery and species used were: Acacia cultriformis, Callistemon citrinus, Carissa edulis microphylla, Gaura lindheimeri, Jasminum sambac, Westringia fruticosa. Plants were placed in randomised block in greenhouse and treated once a day for 5-10 seconds with sea water or irrigation water (control) using a nebulisation system. The effect of marine aerosol was studied by monitoring leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence, chlorophyll content, and leaf area damage by image analysis. Results were different among species. The effect of treatment was represented by leaf necrosis, reduction of chlorophyll and chlorophyll a fluorescence. The resistant species was Westringia fruticosa, while the intolerant species were A. cultriformis and G. lindheimeri. Intermediate behaviour was observed in the other species.