Effects of the N-P-Na recipe on growth of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum under different osmotic stress

In the present study, we developed a N-P-Na recipe concluding appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and sodium by sand culture to promote the growth and enhance the drought tolerance of a succulent xerophytes Zygophyllum xanthoxylum. Treatment with 15 mmol·L-1 NaNO3 and 0.5 mmol·L-1 NaH2PO4 was the most optimal concentration and selected as the material of N-P-Na recipe. A kind of N-P-Na recipe (15 mmol·L-1 NaNO3+0.5 mmol·L-1 NaH2PO4 +34.5 mmol·L-1 NaCl) was developed according to the most optimal concentration of N, P and Na. Compared with control plants, leaf dry weight, water content, leaf area, relative organic weight and plant height with this recipe increased by 12%, 121%, 57%, 10% and 14%, respectively. However, MDA content and relative penetrability of membrane in leaves decreased by 64% and 17%. Therefore the N-P-Na recipe can improve the growth and alleviate water stress of Z.xanthoxylum under osmotic stress.