Effects of salt stress imposed during two growth phases on cauliflower production and quality

BACKGROUND Cultivation of cauliflower is diffused in Mediterranean areas where water salinity results in the need to identify alternative irrigation sources or management strategies. Using saline water during two growth phases (from transplanting to visible appearance of inflorescence or from appearance of inflorescence to head harvest), the present study aimed to identify the growth period that is more suitable for irrigation with low quality water in relation to cauliflower production and quality. RESULTS Salinity affected cauliflower growth mainly when imposed in the first growth phase. The growth reduction depended mainly on ion‐specific effects, although slight nutrient imbalances as a result of Na+ and Cl− antagonisms were observed. The use of non‐saline water in the first or second growth period reduced both the osmotic and toxic effects of salinity. When salinity was applied during inflorescence growth, yield was reduced because of a restriction of water accumulation in the head. CONCLUSION The results of the present study demonstrate the possibility of producing marketable cauliflower heads under conditions of salinity by timing the application of the best quality water during the first growth phase to improve fruit quality and during the second phase to reduce the negative effects of salinity on yield. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry