IMPACT OF EPSOM SALT APPLICATION ON BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris L.).

Sandip, Palve; Digambar, Ahire; Ananta, Harkal

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is widely used in agriculture, horticulture and medicine. Despite its importance in plant growth and development, excessive use of Epsom salt can induce stress and negatively impact various plant components. Here, an attempt was made to investigate whether and to what extent the application of Epsom salt confers drought stress tolerance to beetroot plants exposed to drought stress. The present study used various concentrations of Epsom salt (ECe 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, and 20.0 mSm[sup -1]) to investigate the effect of its application on chlorophyll content, titratable acidity, protein, and proline. Among all these treatments, a significant increase in chlorophyll and proline was recorded up to ECe 12.5 mS m[sup -1]; leaf and root protein also increased significantly at 7.5 mS m[sup -1]. However, the concentrations above ECe 12.5 mS m[sup -1] showed a gradual decrease in biochemical contents. The treatments below 7.5 mS m[sup -1] can be considered as possible concentrations, which lead to increased photosynthetic activity and overall plant biomass and thus productivity.

BEETS; PLANT biomass; MAGNESIUM sulfate; SALT; DROUGHT tolerance; PLANT growth

Agricultural Research Journal, 2023, Vol 60, Issue 1, p38

2395-1435

Academic Journal

10.5958/2395-146X.2023.00007.8