Effect of Salinity and Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms on the Performance of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) originates from Latin America and is now cultivated all around the globe. Its seeds are nutrient rich and suitable for human consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) and salinity stress on the crop’s performance. A pot experiment was set up at the Agricultural University of Athens. Chia seeds were sowed in sterile substate. Fourteen days after the sowing plants, were watered with saline water (30 and 60 mM), while control was watered with distilled water. Treatments also included the application of PGPMs (including Glomus spp., Rhizobacterium, and Trichoderma atroviride). According to the results, chia was affected by salinity. Crop’s growth was statistically significantly lower under salinity stress, while yield was also redacted. The use of PGPMs increased all the studied agronomic parameters and the plants’ tolerance to salinity. Salinity affects chia’s development and yield. The use of PGPMs can mitigate salinity stress and increase plant’s tolerance.