Effect of seawater aerosol on leaves of six plant species potentially useful for ornamental purposes in coastal areas

Aerosol marine strongly affects the growth and development of urban, garden and landscape plants. Few studies have focused on the effects of sodium chloride on plant growth, which is usually applied through irrigation water or substrate media. Even less information is available on the eco-physiological responses of plants to marine aerosol. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of different plant species to seawater nebulisation treatments. Plant species that are commonly used along sea fronts were selected as being potentially useful for the study. Plants were bought from a local nursery and included: Acacia cultriformis, Callistemon citrinus, Carissa edulis microphylla, Gaura lindheimeri, Jasminum sambac, Westringia fruticosa. Plants were placed in a randomised block design in a greenhouse and treated for 5 s with seawater or irrigation water (control) using a nebulisation system once every day for 77 days.