Evaluation of Seashore Mallow, 'Kosteletzkya virginica' (L.) Presl., as a Potential New Crop Which Can Be Grown Using Brackish Water

摘要

Seashore mallow, Kosteletzkya virginica a plant native to brackish areas of coastal marshes of southeastern United States, was grown in field plots irrigated with water from a tidal stream and in the laboratory in a nutrient solution salinized with sea salts. In the field the seed yield did not respond to application of N-P-K fertilizer, in contrast to previous observations. The plants grew well when irrigated 0, 3, or 5 times weekly with tidal-stream water. The highest yields were with 0 and 5X and with a 22.5 cm spacing between plants. In growth-chamber experiments, growth was reduced by salinity, particularly 10 parts per thousand by weight. Markedly greater growth was obtained when the nutrient solution was changed weekly and the nutrient solution was aerated.