Modulation of nutritional and biochemical status of hydroponically grown Cucurbita pepo L. by Calcium Nitrate under saline conditions

Salinity is one of the critical environmental factors that decreases water availability and induces nutritional imbalance in crops. In order to study effect calcium nitrate [(Ca(NO3)2] nutrient solution under salinity conditions, an experiment was designed with different (0, 50, 100 mM) Ca(NO3)2 (2, 3, 4 levels on Cucurbita pepo (zucchini). Based results, increase from 0 mM caused a decrease leaf potassium concentration, whereas iron, magnesium zinc concentrations increased. The most effective level increasing quality yield zucchini 3 mM. at 50 significantly increased sodium concentration area as well number per plant, while application both modulated harmful effects salinity. amount malondialdehyde (MDA), proline hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalase (CAT) activity severe had potential removing negative along which independent level. However, proline, MDA H2O2 decreased plants fed compared control presence These findings suggest could be used improve performance by maintaining ion homeostasis inducing antioxidant defence system.