Salinity exposure modifies nutrient concentrations in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.)

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting plant growth and yield. Salinization occurs naturally in arid and semiarid regions where evaporation is higher than rainfall. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM) on mineral ions content in various plant organs of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) was investigated. Fenugreek plant was divided into root, shoot, leaf and pod parts for nutrient (Ca, Na, K, Cl, P, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) content measurements. Results indicated that the nutrient concentrations in plant tissues like leaves, roots, shoots and pods of fenugreek was strongly affected by all salt treatments. The chloride and sodium ions increased significantly in various parts of the plant depending on salinity increase. Specifically, increased salt concentration caused an increase in some nutrient contents (Na, Cl, P, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn), while same factor caused a decrease in some nutrient contents (Ca and K). In general, an evident increase in nutrient composition in plant organs was observed mainly at the higher level of salt concentration when compared to control.