Original scientific paper

Effect of Salt Stress on Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Microgreens

Marin Tomičić ; Veleučilište u Rijeci, Rijeka *
Bernarda Galjanić ; Veleučilište u Rijeci, Rijeka
Ružica Nestić ; Veleučilište u Rijeci, Rijeka

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Salinity is a major abiotic stress factor affecting plant growth and productivity worldwide. This study investigated the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) stress on germination, biomass, moisture content, photosynthetic pigments, and total phenolic compounds in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) microgreens. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions using four NaCl treatments: 0 mM (control), 12.5 mM, 25 mM, and 50 mM. Germination tests revealed high tolerance to salinity, with no significant differences among treatments (95–98%). Fresh biomass increased significantly with salinity, peaking at 50 mM (9.92 g), while moisture content remained stable (78–79%). Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophylls, carotenoids, and chlorophyll a/b ratio showed no significant variation, indicating that photosynthetic integrity was preserved. Similarly, total phenolic content did not differ significantly across treatments (210–240 mg GAE/100 g FW), suggesting that the applied salinity levels were insufficient to activate strong antioxidant responses. Polynomial regression confirmed a hormetic effect, with biomass increasing at moderate salinity before plateauing. These results indicate that radish microgreens can tolerate mild salt stress and even benefit from it through enhanced growth without compromising their total phenolic content. Controlled salinity could therefore be explored as a strategy to improve microgreen production in urban and hydroponic systems.

Keywords

salinity; abiotic stress; Raphanus sativus L.; yield; eustress

Hrčak ID:

347202

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347202

Publication date:

16.4.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 0 *