Effects of selenium on water economy of Melilotus officinalis (L.)

Elevated heavy metal pollution of soils in relation to drought phenomena have triggered the study of the synergistic effect of selenium (as Na2SeO4 solution) and water deficit on water relations of Melilotus officinalis (L.). For this purpose three selenium concentrations (0, 1 and 3 mg Se/lt) and two water regimes (well watered: WW and water stressed: WS) were tested. Apart from the microclimatic parameters, water potential, relative water content and stomatal conductance were measured. The results indicate that selenium affects the water economy of Melilotus officinalis by altering slightly leaf water potential and relative water content and by reducing significantly stomatal conductance.