ABSTRACT:

The irrigation water used for crop cultivation contains soluble substances, such as Cl^–, SO₄^-2, and CO₃^–, referred to as salts, which are necessary for plant growth. Salinity generally affects soil structure and inhibits plant growth, reducing crop yields when present in excess. The current article aims to monitor the visual accumulation of anthocyanin in the leaves of the plant Vigna radiata cultivated under salinity in a half-strength Hogland solution. Anthocyanins extracted from plants are generally used as natural colours in cosmetics, dyes, and food additives. The relationships between salt stress and anthocyanin content in leaves of Vigna radiata were investigated under a photo camera microscope. The experiment was conducted after 2 days of germination in the dark and then shifted into the nutrient media viz 0, 15, 20, and 25 ppm NaCl. Visual monitoring revealed a direct relationship between the reduction in plant growth and the increase in salinity. The leaves were harvested after 15 days, washed, and then cleaned before being subjected to monitored anthocyanin synthesis under a photo camera microscope. It was observed that the red and purple regions in leaves appeared under salinity conditions and increased as the NaCl concentration increased. Anthocyanin coloration specifically reflects anthocyanidin glycosides. The highest anthocyanin content (red and purple regions in leaves) was observed under high salinity conditions (25 ppm). Microscopic evaluation of leaves suggests that further research is needed to enhance anthocyanin content under salinity in anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables that may be extracted for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pharmacological, and other dietary purposes, including use in jams, jellies, candies, fresh sausages, and yogurts.