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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #413597
Research Project: Conservation, Management, Characterization, and Distribution of Subtropical and Tropical Ornamental Genetic Resources

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Assessing the effects of saltwater intrusion and silicon amendment on the ecophysiological traits of cabbage palm

Author
item GONZALEZ, PEDRO - Florida International University
item Nageswara Rao, Madhugiri
item GRIFFITH, PATRICK - Montgomery Botanical Center
item KHODDAMZADEH, AMIR - Florida International University

Submitted to: Annual Graduate Research Forum
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/16/2024
Publication Date: 2/16/2024
Citation: Gonzalez, P., Nageswara Rao, M., Griffith, P., Khoddamzadeh, A. 2024. Assessing the effects of saltwater intrusion and silicon amendment on the ecophysiological traits of cabbage palm. Annual Graduate Research Forum, Florida International University, February 16, 2024. Miami, Florida.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract Only

Technical Abstract: Climate change will cause massive global shifts within the next century. In lower coastal zones with low sea levels, saltwater intrusion will be a major concern caused by climate change that will impact the plant-soil health of specialty crops. This is a prominent issue in South Florida due to surface and groundwater resources being hydrologically connected to highly porous limestone geology. To determine how salinity levels and silicon amendments affect plant growth in Florida, one-year-old saplings of Sabal palmetto were used in this study. Plants were irrigated with a range of salt-water treatments. In addition, silicon amendment, well known to reduce a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses, especially drought, will be added in different concentrations. Phenotypic characteristics such as plant height, number of leaves, and leaf color were evaluated and are significantly affected by high saltwater concentrations. Optical non-destructive handheld sensor technology was used to assess the plant health during the project. The results of this study will have practical applications in conservation, landscaping plant selection and best management practices (BMP), crop resilience, and environmental sustainability while offering valuable insights into mitigating the challenges posed by saltwater and optimizing plant health monitoring.