Performance of Hydroponically Cultivated Geranium and Common Verbena under Salinity and High Electrical Conductivity Levels

Abiotic factors in nutrient solutions (NSs), such as salinity and high electrical conductivity (EC), may adversely alter plant growth crop performance. However, there are medicinal/aromatic plants which can not only withstand these adverse conditions, but also increase their productivity or even enhance quality conditions. As fresh water sources suitable for irrigation becoming more limited, the use of low-quality hydroponic growing systems have been suggested main alternatives. Towards that direction, this study aims to evaluate effect EC levels NSs on geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.) common verbena (Verbena officinallis L.) cultivated a soilless (perlite) hydroponics system. Plants were irrigated with full solution 2.1 dS m−1 pH 5.8 until they reached uniform size. Then, three treatments applied, namely: (a) control treatment an NS, (b) high-salinity NS created by adding 75 mM NaCl (EC under 8.5 m−1) (c) concentrated m−1. In pelargonium, decreased total phenolic flavonoid contents; antioxidant capacity; N, K, Mg P content; well chlorophyll fluorescence, compared treatment. On other hand, increased Na Ca content stomatal resistance. verbena, fluorescence antioxidants; leaf P, Na, Cu Zn resistance, control. both species, did affect polyphenols, flavonoids antioxidants, whereas it resistance accumulation leaves, Damage indices, indicated lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide production elevation enzymes’ activities, evidenced saline- high-EC-treated plants. conclusion, despite having same solution, seems ionic stress caused mineral concentrations had less severe effects tested than relevant osmotic due addition solution.