Assessment of ornamental plants using multiple salt tolerance indicators and classification of their physiological salt tolerance mechanisms

Abstract

We carried out salt treatment in ornamental plants. Subsequently, we assessed their salt tolerance and aesthetic value, and investigated their salt tolerance mechanisms. We found that Senecio cineraria had tolerance similar to that of halophytes, and its aesthetic value was not impaired. Additionally, we determined that Senecio cineraria was Na⁺ excluder, and Helichrysum italicum was Na⁺ includer. We were able to compare ornamental plants with halophytes, and assess their salt tolerance and aesthetic value at the same time. We suggest that, based on the characteristics of salt tolerance mechanisms, it is possible to select “better” plants for planting in salt-damaged land.