Synergistic effect of vermicompost and calcium for improving salinity tolerance in Yunnanopilia longistaminea

Salinity constitutes an important concern when soluble salts accumulate in excessive amounts in soil or water. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a commonly occurring salt that induces salinity stress in plants. Organic and inorganic additives under saline conditions may efficiently regulate the growth of Yunnanopilia longistaminea . In this study, a pot trial was conducted with three levels of NaCl stress (Ck = control; MSS = moderate salt stress (75 mM), SSS = severe salt stress (150 mM), and various treatments of vermicompost and Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (T 0 = control; T 1 = Ca(NO 3 ) 2 (10 mM); T 2 = vermicompost (5 %) w/w; T 3 = T 1 + T 2 ) in Y. longistaminea seedlings. The findings revealed that, depending upon the severity of salt stress, all the indicators such as biomass, enzymatic antioxidants, and nutritional attributes, were negatively correlated with the severity of salt stress. However, the application of vermicompost with Ca(NO 3 ) 2 , individually and in combination, significantly improved Y. longistaminea productivity by the modulation of photosynthetic, nutritional, and antioxidative potential. Furthermore, a linear increase (64.96 and 145.62 %) in the generation of reactive oxygen species (H 2 O 2 ) was observed under moderate and severe stress. The synergistic effect of Ca(NO 3 ) 2 and vermicompost reduced the proline accumulation (27.67 %), MDA contents (21.76 %) and increased soluble sugars (39.12 %), and soluble protein (25.31 %) compared to control group. The results also confirmed that a combined approach is more feasible as compared with a sole application for the maximization of the nutritional value of Y. longistaminea crop against salinity stress. Hence, Ca(NO 3 ) 2 and vermicompost amendment can be suggested as suitable supplement for sustainable crop production under salinization. • Saline stress is the major factor affecting the Y. longistaminea productivity. • NaCl stress enhanced the antioxidant activity and oxidative stress. • Vermicompost proved better salinity tolerance than Ca(NO 3 ) 2 in Y. longistaminea . • Combined application of vermicompost and Ca(NO 3 ) 2 is novel approach for mitigation of salt stress.