Chlorine for Plants: Enemy of Fungal Infections

ByОлена Коновалова

         Chlorine (Cl)

         For the plant – an enemy of fungal infections.
        
     In the plant organism, chloride ions play a role in energy metabolism, positively influencing the absorption of oxygen by the roots.

Chloride ions work in tandem with potassium ions, regulating the proper functioning of stomatal openings in plants, thereby controlling water balance; participate in the process of photosynthesis, particularly in the water-splitting system; maintain the balance of cations and their transport within the plant; prevent the penetration of fungal infections; and are involved in the oxidative reactions of plants.

It is suggested that chlorine combats excessive nitrate absorption. This may be one of the components of its role in preventing and suppressing many plant diseases, as high nitrate content in plants leads to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases.

    The chlorine content in plant organisms is about 0.1% (by weight). Some plants (halophytes) are not only capable of growing in saline soils with high sodium chloride (NaCl) content but also accumulate chlorides. These include Salicornia, Salsola, Suaeda, Tamarix, and others (see below).

Halophilic microorganisms live in environments with NaCl concentrations up to 32% – in saline water bodies and saline soils (bacteria of the genera Paracoccus, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and some others). High NaCl concentrations are necessary for them to maintain the structural integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane and the functioning of associated enzyme systems.

    Symptoms of chlorine deficiency – wilting, small and highly branched root system, often with short tips. Leaves wilt early, showing mottling and chlorosis at the edges. Chlorine deficiency in cabbage is characterized by a lack of odor.
    Excess chlorine leads to the formation of burned edges on young leaves. If the chlorine level is very high, seedlings root poorly, and seeds may not germinate at all. With high chlorine content, leaves acquire a yellowish-bronze hue, and their development slows down.
    Medicinal plants containing chlorine: halophyte plants (plants growing in saline soils):
• Salicornia europaea L., Amaranthaceae (herb);
• Salsola richteri (Moq.) Kar. ex Litv., Chenopodiaceae (herb);
• Suaeda salsa (L.) Pallas, Chenopodiaceae (herb);
• Anabasis aphylla L., Chenopodiaceae (herb);
• species of Artemisia L., Asteraceae (herb);
• species of Tamarix L., Tamaricaceae (herb);
• species of Helichrysum Mill., Asteraceae (inflorescences).

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