The effect of selenium on salinity stress and selenate - sulfate comparison in kale

Authors: KUCUKYUMUK, ZELIHA - Suleyman Demirel University; Suarez, Donald

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2020
Publication Date: 6/7/2021
Citation: Kucukyumuk, Z., Suarez, D.L. 2021. The effect of selenium on salinity stress and selenate - sulfate comparison in kale. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 44(20):2996-3004. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2021.1936034.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2021.1936034

Interpretive Summary: Salinity is an increasing problem for irrigated agriculture in arid and semi arid lands. Kale consumption has increased greatly in recent years as it has been shown to be a highly nutritious crop, but salt tolerance information and crop nutritional needs is still limited. We examined kale salt tolerance and its interaction with Se application, as there is information that Se increases salt tolerance. Salinity decreased yield when irrigated at 6 and 9 dS m-1 but not at 3 dS m-1. Selenium addition increased yield at all salinity levels but did not increase salt tolerance. Addition of 0.25 mg Se per kg of soil, corresponding to leaf Se concentrations of 1 mg kg-1was sufficient to increase yield by an average of 11% relative to control. This information is of use to farm advisors, extension specialists and human nutrition specialists as well as researchers examining crop salt tolerance.

Technical Abstract: Increased salinity is a threat to arid and semiarid zone agriculture worldwide. Kale consumption has increased as its nutritional and antioxidant benefits become more widely known. Compared to other vegetables it is relatively salt tolerant. However there is limited information on its salt tolerance, nutrient uptake under saline conditions and physiological response. We examined the yield response, physiological parameters and mineral nutrient content of kale grown under variable conditions of salt and Se addition in a greenhouse study. The experiment consisted of four salinity levels, four Se levels and combined salinity treatments for a total of 16 treatments each with four replications. Salinity decreased yield when irrigated at 6 and 9 dS m-1 but not at 3 dS m-1. Selenium addition increased yield at all salinity levels but did not increase salt tolerance. Addition of 0.25 mg Se per kg of soil, corresponding to leaf Se concentrations of 1 mg kg-1, was sufficient to increase yield by an average of 11% relative to control. Kale yield loss began between 3 and 6 dS m-1 irrigation water salinity and 50% yield loss occurred at EC 6.