Effects of nutrient solution salinity (NaCl)on the yield level and quality characteristics in Lilium soilles culture

The aim of this research was to study the effects of salt stress on yield and quality characteristics in two genotypes of Lilium in a open soilless culture. In the spring cycle the applied nutrient solutions had four electrical conductivity levels, from 1.0 to 2.5 dS/m by the addition of NaCl; in the autumn cycle salt stress was imposed, with three E.C. levels from 1.5 to 4.5 dS/m, during to the following intervals: i) full rooting system formation and bulb shooting; ii) stem elongation till the flower bud emergence; iii) raceme formation till harvest. Lilium plants in both cycles did not show any yield reduction; all the stems produced were marketable. Therefore results showed that it is possible to use solutions with a total EC of 2.5 dS/m, without causing any damage to the plant. In the autumn cycle, it seems better to use solutions with a diversified EC in different growth stages, i.e. using a good quality water in the first phase and increasing concentrations in the second, till a maximum value of 3.0 dS/m, and in the third till a maximum value of 4.5 dS/m; the raceme quality would be improved.