Na+吸收对干旱导致的棉花叶片光合系统损伤的缓解作用

以盆栽棉花为材料,在植株高约20 cm时用不同浓度Na Cl溶液浇透后进行持续干旱处理。在干旱处理期间测定叶片叶绿素荧光参数、光合气体交换参数的变化以及植株水分状况和Na+含量,以分析土壤Na Cl施入引起的棉花Na+吸收和积累量的增加对干旱胁迫导致的叶片光合系统损伤的缓解作用及可能原因。结果表明,未用Na Cl处理的棉花植株,其叶片净光合速率随着干旱的延续而持续下降、光合机构在干旱处理后期出现了严重损伤;而Na Cl处理的棉花植株,其叶片净光合速率下降幅度明显小于未用Na Cl处理的,光合机构受损伤程度也较轻或无明显损伤。对各处理棉花植株Na+的吸收和水分状况的测定分析表明,Na Cl处理的植株,其叶片Na+积累显著增加、渗透势降低,细胞膨压显著高于未用Na Cl处理的植株。由此可见,在土壤浇灌Na Cl溶液后的持续干旱条件下,棉花植株吸收和积累Na+增加,降低了组织渗透势、维持了一定的细胞膨压,从而有效缓解了干旱胁迫对叶片光合机构的损伤。     

土壤盐分对三角叶滨藜抗旱性能的影响

本实验用不同浓度NaCl溶液浇灌后进行干旱处理,测定了不同处理条件下三角叶滨藜幼苗在干旱持续过程中植株生长状况、叶片光合作用、抗氧化酶活性以及植株水分状况等的变化,以分析土壤盐分对三角叶滨藜耐旱性的影响。结果显示,用0.1—0.4 mol/L NaCl溶液浇灌后进行干旱处理（“干旱 NaCl”）的三角叶滨藜幼苗在干旱持续期间植株生长量、叶片净光合速率均明显高于用水浇灌后进行干旱处理（“干旱”）的三角叶滨藜幼苗,且后者在干旱处理的后期导致了叶片光合机构的明显损伤,前者则无。同时,“干旱 NaCl”处理的植株叶片超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶和过氧化氢酶活性的变化幅度明显小于“干旱”处理的,且前者的丙二醛含量显著低于后者。进一步分析各处理土壤和植株水分状况发现,与“干旱”处理相比,“干旱 NaCl”处理显著提高了土壤的保水能力,增加了植株对Na 的吸收和积累,降低了叶片渗透势。由此可见,土壤中适量盐分存在能够增加三角叶滨藜对Na 的吸收和积累、降低组织渗透势、维持较强的吸水和保水力,从而减弱因干旱脱水导致的过量活性氧自由基产生对细胞膜系统的损伤和对光合机构的破坏,有利于维持相对较高的物质生产能力和细胞的持续生长,最终表现为耐旱性能的增强。     

NaCl对渗透胁迫下三角叶滨藜光合作用和水分状况的调节

以溶液培养的三角叶滨藜(Atriplex triangularis)为材料, 测定分析了在PEG诱导的渗透胁迫条件下, 适量的NaCl对其光合作用和水分吸收的影响, 以探讨环境溶液中NaCl对植物适应干旱的影响。结果表明, PEG诱导的渗透胁迫导致三角叶滨藜植株吸水困难、叶绿素含量降低、光合系统受损、生长受抑制、生物量减少; 而在PEG渗透胁迫的处理液中添加10–40 mmol·L^–1NaCl可以明显降低植株水势和叶片渗透势, 维持较高的细胞膨压, 减缓PEG渗透胁迫对光合系统的破坏作用, 保证相对较高的光合速率和生长速度, 从而有效增强了三角叶滨藜对渗透胁迫的适应能力。     

高盐胁迫对罗布麻生长及离子平衡的影响

采用网室盆栽试验,研究了不同浓度NaCl（100～400 mmol·L^-1）胁迫30 d对罗布麻植株生物量积累、生长速率、根系活力、盐分和矿质离子吸收、分布等的影响.结果表明：100 mmol·L^-1 NaCl处理30 d,罗布麻植株鲜质量和生长速率显著下降,但对其干质量没有影响;随着盐度的增加,罗布麻植株干质量、鲜质量和生长速率均显著降低.100～200 mmol·L^-1 NaCl胁迫下,罗布麻根系活力明显高于对照;300～400 mmol·L^-1 NaCl盐胁迫下,其活力显著降低.随着盐浓度的增加,罗布麻根、茎和叶片Na⁺含量逐渐增加、K⁺含量缓慢降低;叶片Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺含量明显降低,茎部Ca²⁺和根部Mg²⁺含量有不同程度的增加.盐胁迫明显降低了罗布麻根、茎和叶片K⁺/Na⁺、Ca²⁺/Na⁺和Mg²⁺/Na⁺的比率,植株选择性吸收和运输K⁺、Ca²⁺的能力显著提高.罗布麻植株很强的拒盐能力,以及对K⁺、Ca²⁺的选择性吸收和运输是其具有高盐适应性的主要原因.     

NaCl胁迫下沙芥的渗透调节作用

本文系统分析了荒漠资源植物沙芥在不同浓度NaCl下的渗透调节作用。结果表明,随外加NaCl浓度从25 mmol·L^-1升高至200 mmol·L^-1,Na⁺、Cl^-、脯氨酸和总无机离子的含量及其对叶渗透势的贡献不断升高,K⁺和可溶性糖的含量及其贡献先降低后升高,SO₄^2-和PO₄^3-的含量不断升高但其贡献变化不大;Na⁺、Cl^-和K⁺对叶渗透势的贡献交替位列前三,可溶性糖位居第四。由上可知,沙芥主要通过积累无机离子特别是Na⁺和Cl^-进行渗透调节以抵御外加NaCl的渗透胁迫。     

转AtNHX1基因杨树Tr品系的耐盐性研究

以不同盐分强度处理欧美107杨(Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’) (Wt)和转拟南芥液泡膜Na⁺/H⁺逆向转运蛋白基因AtNHX1欧美107杨新品系(Tr)幼苗, 揭示Tr和Wt两品系幼苗耐盐性的差异, 探索拟南芥液泡膜Na⁺/H⁺逆向转运蛋白基因AtNHX1对提高杨树耐盐能力的效应。结果表明: 低盐处理下, Wt植株生长明显受到抑制, 其干重显著低于对照, 盐分强度加大后, 抑制作用更大, 其干重只有对照的50%; 而Tr植株在低盐处理下干重与对照差异不显著, 高盐处理时其干重为对照的74%。同时, 不同盐度处理下, Tr的干重均显著高于Wt, 且随着盐度升高, 两品系间植株干重差异增大。盐处理后, Tr植株叶片叶绿素和类胡萝卜素的含量均显著高于Wt, 并能维持较高的净光合速率(P_n)和PSII最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m); 在盐处理下虽然Tr叶片和根系均较Wt积累了更多的Na⁺, 但同时也维持了更高的K⁺和K⁺/Na⁺比率, 而且叶片对K⁺选择性的运输明显高于Wt; 同时, Tr叶片MDA含量和电解质渗漏率显著低于Wt。可见, 在盐处理下转AtNHX1植株较未转基因植株维持了更高的生长量、光合色素、光合能力和叶片质膜稳定性, 说明AtNHX1的转入能够显著提高欧美107杨的耐盐性。     

野皂荚对NaCl胁迫的生理响应及耐盐性

以盆栽野皂荚2年生实生苗为材料,设置土壤NaCl含量分别为0.053%（CK）、0.15%、0.3%、0.45%和0.6%的盐胁迫处理,研究不同浓度盐处理对苗木生长、细胞膜透性、细胞保护酶活性以及Na⁺和K⁺分布格局的影响,探讨了其耐盐阈值和机理.结果表明：随着NaCl浓度增加,苗木生长量逐渐降低,盐害指数逐渐升高;野皂荚可忍耐的土壤含盐量为0.42%.随着NaCl浓度增加,叶片相对电导率、氧自由基产生速率和丙二醛(MDA)含量均逐渐增大;超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,在土壤含盐量0.3%或0.45%时达到峰值;高盐胁迫下,SOD、POD和CAT活性的增强可及时清除盐胁迫产生的氧自由基,进而缓解或避免膜脂过氧化作用对组织细胞的伤害.盐胁迫下根、茎、叶的Na⁺含量均逐渐增大,且呈现根>叶>茎的分布格局;K⁺含量和K⁺/Na⁺呈下降趋势,呈现叶>根>茎的分布格局;K⁺-Na⁺选择性运输系数(S_K⁺·Na⁺)随着土壤含盐量的增加逐渐升高,且叶S_K⁺·Na⁺高于茎S_K⁺·Na⁺.野皂荚耐盐机制是根系拒盐和叶片耐盐;盐胁迫下,根系Na⁺累积能力增强可控制Na⁺向地上运输以避免盐害发生,叶片K⁺选择性吸收和累积能力的显著提高可忍耐和补偿Na⁺对组织的伤害.     

S2–和Na+胁迫下黄河三角洲高潮滩芦苇光合作用和抗氧化酶活性的响应

潮汐湿地的土壤硫含量和钠离子含量很高, 然而该生境中的S²–以及S^2–与Na⁺联合胁迫对植物生理生态影响认识不足。以黄河三角洲高潮滩芦苇为材料, 进行了对比实验(S2–浓度相同处理: 50 mmol·L^–1 Na₂S VS. 50 mmol·L^–1 K₂S处理; Na⁺离子浓度相同处理: 40 mmol·L^–1 Na₂S VS. 80 mmol·L^–1 NaCl处理), 研究了S^2–、Na⁺的联合胁迫以及它们的单独胁迫对芦苇的光合作用及抗氧化酶活性的影响差异。结果表明: Na₂S比K₂S和NaCl处理对芦苇光合速率的抑制作用更显著, 因此S^2–和Na⁺的联合胁迫比它们的单独胁迫作用更强。对于抗氧化酶活性, 50 mmol·L^–1 Na₂S处理后过氧化氢(H₂O₂)、过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)浓度显著升高, 说明在抵御S^2–和Na⁺离子胁迫时, POD和SOD发挥重要的作用, 而在 Na₂S处理下, 过氧化氢酶(CAT)则呈显著下降的趋势。总之, 硫和钠离子的同时存在严重抑制高潮滩芦苇的光合速率, 而POD和SOD、CAT对于抵御S2–和Na+胁迫起到重要的作用。     

盐胁迫对杂交酸模叶片光合活性的抑制作用

以杂交酸模(Rumex K-1)为试材,研究了不同浓度(100～300 mmol·L^-1) KCl和NaCl胁迫对杂交酸模幼苗叶片光合活性及渗透调节的影响.结果表明：200 mmol·L^-1浓度的NaCl对杂交酸模幼苗叶片光合活性的抑制作用大于KCl;当浓度增大到300 mmol·L^-1时,KCl对杂交酸模叶片光合活性的抑制作用显著大于NaCl.300 mmol·L^-1 KCl和NaCl处理植株的叶片水势分别为-0.93 MPa和-1.05 MPa,渗透势分别为-1.43 MPa和-1.10 MPa,说明KCl对杂交酸模植株过多的伤害不是渗透胁迫造成的;经过300 mmol·L^-1KCl胁迫后,杂交酸模叶片中Na⁺含量急剧降到对照植株的11.4％,而补充25 mmol·L^-1 NaCl可以明显缓解KCl对杂交酸模光合活性的伤害,说明Na⁺的亏缺和高浓度K⁺的积聚可能是导致高浓度KCl对杂交酸模光合活性的伤害比NaCl更严重的主要原因.     

NaCl胁迫对4种豆科树种幼苗生长和K+、Na+含量的影响

以合欢、刺槐、国槐和皂荚4种豆科树种盆栽实生幼苗为试验材料,研究了NaCl胁迫下4个树种幼苗的生长、耐盐临界浓度和Na⁺、K⁺含量的变化,并对其耐盐性进行了比较.结果表明：NaCl胁迫抑制了4个树种幼苗的生长,苗木的干物质积累量减小、根冠比增大,尤其对合欢和皂荚的影响较大;以相对干质量降至对照组50%时的NaCl浓度作为生长临界NaCl浓度(C₅₀)指标,4个树种的耐盐强弱顺序为：刺槐(5.0‰)＞国槐(4.5‰)＞皂荚(3.9‰)＞合欢(3.0‰);随NaCl浓度的增加,各树种幼苗根、茎、叶中Na⁺含量逐渐增加,K⁺含量先增加后减小（合欢根除外）,而K⁺/Na⁺差异较大.相同浓度NaCl胁迫下,幼苗器官的Na⁺分布为根＞茎＞叶,K⁺因树种和NaCl浓度不同而各异,以叶片中较多,K⁺/Na⁺为叶＞茎＞根.NaCl胁迫下,刺槐的K⁺含量和K⁺/Na⁺较高,地上部分Na⁺含量较低,幼苗干物质量大,耐盐性较强;而合欢的K⁺/Na⁺较小,高浓度NaCl胁迫下地上部分的Na⁺含量较高,幼苗干物质量小,耐盐性较差.苗木地上部分对K⁺的积累和根部对Na⁺的滞留是影响豆科树种耐盐性能的主要因素.     

油菜素内酯对NaCl胁迫下棉花叶片生理特征和基因表达谱的影响

研究了外源油菜素内酯(BL)对NaCl胁迫下棉花幼苗的钠累积、叶片生理特征及叶片差异基因表达水平的影响.结果表明： NaCl胁迫下2个棉花品种各部位钠含量升高,叶片丙二醛(MDA)、脯氨酸含量上升,叶绿素含量下降,叶片基因表达水平受到影响.外源施用油菜素内酯可降低NaCl胁迫下棉花幼苗根、茎、叶的钠含量,降低叶片中MDA含量,提高脯氨酸含量,并且NaCl胁迫下苏棉12号棉花品种更易受油菜素内酯调控.对苏棉12号的叶片进行数字表达谱分析结果表明,NaCl胁迫下苏棉12号叶片中的差异基因表达水平受到油菜素内酯调控,BL+NaCl处理棉花叶片的基因表达模式与CK(正常生长棉株)更为一致.说明外源油菜素内酯可减轻NaCl胁迫下棉花叶片受抑制程度,从而使NaCl胁迫下棉花叶片生理功能增强(叶绿素含量升高),最终使生物量增加.     

新疆胀果甘草幼苗耐盐性及对NaCl胁迫的离子响应

以盐碱荒漠草甸药用植物胀果甘草(Glycyrrhiza inflata)为材料, 采用水培法研究了盐处理(50、100、200、300 mmol·L^-1NaCl) 28天后幼苗株高、生物量、含水量、根粗、甘草酸含量和不同器官的离子含量及离子的选择吸收、运输能力, 并对丙二醛、脯氨酸含量进行测定, 以确定其耐盐范围及耐盐方式。结果表明, 低盐浓度对胀果甘草幼苗生长无显著影响, 只有较高盐浓度(≥200 mmol·L^-1 NaCl)使幼苗总生物量、株高、甘草酸含量显著降低; 根据耐盐系数与盐浓度的拟合方程, 确定适宜幼苗生长的盐浓度范围为0-278.17 mmol·L^-1。随盐浓度上升, 植株选择性吸收K⁺、Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺, 而抑制Na⁺进入体内, 幼苗对进入植株体内的Na⁺在不同盐浓度下采取了不同的分配策略, 低盐浓度下(0-100 mmol·L^-1), 植株体内Na⁺主要积累在根中, 避免了叶中Na⁺的过多积累, 其盐适应机制以耐盐方式为主; 高盐浓度下(≥200 mmol·L^-1 NaCl), Na⁺主要积累在下部叶, 并通过叶片脱落的方式带走体内的盐分, 其盐适应机制以避盐方式为主。盐胁迫下, 幼苗能促进K⁺而抑制Na⁺向上部叶的运输, 使上部叶拒Na喜K, 维持了较高的K⁺/Na⁺比值, 有利于幼苗生长; 同时, 地下根系能通过积累Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺和合成脯氨酸、甘草酸, 以提高渗透调节能力, 缓解Na⁺毒害, 使根的生长不受影响, 有利于保证幼苗在盐环境中吸收维持生长的必要养分, 这是胀果甘草幼苗具有较强耐盐性的原因。以上结果说明, 胀果甘草幼苗通过对盐离子的吸收和运输调控、离子区域化和渗透调节, 以耐盐和避盐两种方式适应盐碱荒漠环境。     

外源糖浸种缓解盐胁迫下玉米种子萌发

以玉米品种‘垦玉6号’为材料,在150 mmol·L^-1NaCl胁迫条件下,研究葡萄糖(Glc)和蔗糖(Suc)浸种对玉米种子萌发阶段耐盐性的影响.结果表明: 盐胁迫下,0.5 mmol·L^-1 Glc、Suc浸种可促进玉米种子萌发及幼苗早期生长,其中Glc浸种玉米胚芽和胚根长及相应干质量增加到盐处理的1.5、1.3、2.1、1.8倍;Suc浸种玉米分别增加到1.7、1.3、2.7、1.9倍;盐胁迫下Glc、Suc浸种可减少胚芽中硫代巴比妥酸反应物(TBARS)和过氧化氢(H2O2)含量,与盐处理相比分别降低24.9%、20.6%;Glc、Suc浸种可显著提高盐胁迫下玉米胚芽超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPX)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)的活性,并诱导葡萄糖6 磷酸脱氢酶(G6PDH)活性的升高,其中Glc浸种玉米SOD、APX、GPX、GR、G6PDH活性较盐处理分别提高66.2%、62.9%、32.0%、38.5%、50.5%,Suc浸种玉米较盐处理分别提高67.5%、59.8%、30.0%、38.5%、50.4%;Glc、Suc浸种胚芽中抗坏血酸 (ASA)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量及ASA/DHA、GSH/GSSG显著提高,其中G6PDH活性与外源糖诱导的较强的抗氧化能力密切相关.Glc、Suc浸种还可提高盐胁迫下玉米胚芽中K⁺/Na⁺,分别为盐处理的2.3、2.4倍.外源 Glc、Suc浸种可通过提高玉米种子抗氧化能力及维持体内K⁺和Na⁺离子平衡缓解盐胁迫对玉米种子萌发的抑制效应.     

Changes in water relation parameters under osmotic and salt stresses in maize and sorghum

A relatively drought tolerant cultivar of maize ( Zea mays L. cv. Pioneer 3950) and a drought tolerant line of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench cv. ICSV 112) were grown hydroponically for 11 days. Treatments for non-ionic osmotic and salt stresses were started at the 8th day by addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 and NaCl, respectively, at 200 mOsm equivalent concentrations in the presence or absence of 0. 1 μ M abscisic acid. Relative growth rate was depressed by both stress factors, more severely for maize than sorghum. Abscisic acid increased the growth rate and reverted the negative effect of NaCl in maize, while sorghum was only slightly affected. In general, sorghum had higher levels of K⁺ and lower levels of Na⁺ and the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio was further increased by abscisic acid treatment. From the pressure-volume curves, osmotic potential, the water potential at turgor loss point, bulk elastic modulus and the water saturation deficit at initial turgor loss were estimated. Most significantly, sorghum had a higher elastic modulus than maize and it decreased under osmotic treatment, while in maize it increased under NaCl stress. The results suggest that bulk tissue turgor was not limiting growth under these conditions and underscores the possible implications of changes in the elastic condition of the cell walls in stress responses.     

Physiological responses to salt stress in young umbu plants

Soil salinity affects plant growth and development due to harmful ion effects and water stress caused by reduced osmotic potential in the soil solution. In order to evaluate the effects of salt stress in young umbu plants, research was performed in green house conditions at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Growth, stomatal behaviour, water relations, and both inorganic and organic solutes were studied aiming for a better understanding of the responses of umbu plants to increasing salinity. Plants were grown in washed sand with Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM NaCl. Growth, leaf water potential, transpiration, and diffusive resistance were evaluated. Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, soluble carbohydrates, and free amino acid contents were measured in several plant organs. Most variables were affected with salinity above 50 mM NaCl showing decreases in: number of leaves, plant height, stems diameter, and dry masses, and increases in root-to-shoot ratio. Reductions in ψ_pd were observed in plants grown under 75 and 100 mM NaCl. All salt levels above zero increased Na⁺ and Cl⁻ contents in leaves. However, K⁺ content was not affected. Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in stems and roots reached saturation in treatments above 50 mM NaCl. Organic solute accumulation in response to salt stress was not observed in umbu plants. These results suggest that umbu plants tolerate salt levels up to 50 mM NaCl without showing significant physio-morphological alterations.     

NO3-胁迫对草莓幼苗光合特性和氮代谢的影响

沙培条件下,以16 mmol NO₃^-·L^-1为对照,研究不同浓度NO₃^-(64、112 和160 mmol·L^-1)对草莓幼苗光合特性和氮代谢的影响.结果表明： 处理8 d后,随NO₃^-浓度的增加,草莓叶片净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(g_s)、PSⅡ实际光化学效率(Φ_PSⅡ)、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)和光化学猝灭系数(q_P)均显著降低,当NO₃^-浓度达到160 mmol·L^-1时,较对照分别降低67.7%、68.4%、35.7%、23.2%、26.9%;非光化学猝灭系数(q_N)逐渐升高,64、112 和160 mmol NO₃^-·L^-1处理较对照分别升高4.4%、10.9%、75.8%;胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)呈先降低后升高趋势,气孔限制值(L_s)呈先升高后降低趋势.随NO₃^-浓度增加,草莓叶片及根系中硝态氮、铵态氮、全氮和凯氏氮含量逐渐增加,蛋白氮含量减少.硝酸还原酶(NR)、谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)、谷氨酸合成酶(GOGAT)、谷氨酸脱氢酶(GDH)活性均随NO₃^-浓度增加呈现先升高后降低趋势.随NO₃^-处理浓度增加草莓幼苗叶片净光合速率下降,PSⅡ电子传递受阻,氮素积累,高浓度下氮代谢酶活性降低,营养液中NO₃^-浓度为64 mmol·L^-1时开始产生胁迫,不利于草莓幼苗的生长.     

Water efflux from the surface of field-grown grass roots. Observations by cryo-scanning electron microscopy

The objective of this study was to compare whole plant growth and physiological responses to salt stress of two Acacia nilotica subspecies (ssp. cupressiformis and ssp. tomentosa ). Salt stress was induced by adding NaCl at different concentrations to the nutrient solution: 0, 75, 100 and 200 m M . After one month under such stress, plants were still healthy and actively growing in both subspecies up to 100 m M NaCl. Water potential (Ψ) and osmotic potential (π) decreased with salinity and the lower π enabled the plants to maintain turgor. Höfler diagrams confirmed that osmotic adjustment had occurred under all treatments. Furthermore, the point of zero turgor occurred at a higher relative water content. An increase in the elastic modulus (ɛ) was observed under stress (low elasticity of the cell wall). Both osmotic adjustment and a high ɛ modified the capacity of both subspecies to maintain a positive water balance. Accumulation of ions (Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻) and proline could explain such osmotic adjustment. Acacia nilotica ssp. cupressiformis showed a higher absorption of K⁺ than ssp. tomentosa up to 100 m M NaCl treatment.     

Glycinebetaine-induced modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and ion accumulation in two wheat cultivars differing in salt tolerance

Modulation of water relations, activities of antioxidant enzymes and ion accumulation was assessed in the plants of two wheat cultivars S-24 (salt tolerant) and MH-97 (moderately salt sensitive) subjected to saline conditions and glycinebetaine (GB) applied foliarly. Different levels of GB, i.e., 0 (unsprayed), 50 and 100 mM (in 0.10% Tween-20 solution) were applied to the wheat plants at the vegetative growth stage. Leaf water potential, leaf osmotic potential and turgor potential were decreased due to salt stress. Salt stress increased the Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation coupled with a decrease in K⁺ and Ca²⁺ in the leaves and roots of both cultivars thereby decreasing tissue K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Furthermore, salt stress decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas it increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in both wheat cultivars. However, accumulation of GB in the leaves of both wheat cultivars was consistently increased with an increase in concentration of exogenous GB application under both non-saline and saline conditions. Accumulation of Na⁺ was decreased with an increase in K⁺ accumulation upon a consistent increase in GB accumulation under salt stress conditions thereby resulting in better K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios in the leaves and roots. High accumulation of GB and K⁺ mainly contributed to osmotic adjustment, which is one of the factors known to be responsible for improving growth and yield under salt stress. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and POD were enhanced by GB application in cv. MH-97 under saline conditions, whereas all these except SOD were reduced in cv. S-24. It is likely that both applied GB and intrinsic SOD scavenged ROS in the tolerant cultivar thereby resulting into low activities of CAT and POD enzymes under salt stress. In conclusion, the adverse effects of salt stress on wheat can be alleviated by the exogenous application of 100 mM GB by modulating activities of antioxidant enzymes and changes in water relations and ion homeostasis. Furthermore, effectiveness of GB application on regulation of activities of antioxidant enzymes was found to be cultivar-specific.