森林生态系统林木根系对优先流的影响

土壤水和溶质运移是土壤学和环境科学研究的难点和热点,优先流是一种常见的土壤溶质运移形式,绕过土壤基质而优先运移至地下水源,造成土壤养分的流失和水质的恶化。林木根系是土壤层的重要部分,其结构形态影响着优先流过程,为量化林木根系结构对土壤优先流的影响,以首都圈森林生态系统鹫峰定位监测站为研究区域,利用野外染色示踪与室内分析相结合的方法,定量分析根长密度和根系生物量在优先流区和基质流区的变化。结果表明:1)随着土层深度的增加,根长密度表现为减小的趋势,对径级d1 mm,1d3 mm和3d5 mm根系而言,根长密度在优先流区大于基质流区发生概率分别为66.7%,88.9%和83.3%;2)根系d1 mm对优先流贡献度最大,均值为94.8%,1d3 mm和3d5 mm根系对优先流贡献度较小,均值分别为4.3%和0.9%;3)研究点根系生物量进行统计,66.7%优先流区根系生物量大于基质流区根系生物量。开展根系对优先流的影响研究,有助于探明土壤水分运移规律,分析地表地下水质恶化根源,为生态环境安全提供理论指导和技术支持。     

岷江上游三种典型植被下土壤优势流现象的染色法研究

优势流是土壤中存在的一种普遍现象,对水分运动有重要的影响。为了进一步了解森林涵养水源的机理,用亮蓝野外染色示踪试验研究了岷江上游垂直梯度上的三种典型植被下土壤中的优势流。从染色结果来看,在三种植被下的土壤中均存在优势流现象,而这种优势流的产生由于植被、海拔高度、成土过程、根系及土壤动物活动的不同,复杂程度不一。染色面积的百分数反映了入渗水分在剖面的分布,即使在整体水分仅仅停留在表层10cm以上时,部分水分可通过优势流进入到土壤底层。三种植被下优势流染色的分形维数在1.59到1.85之间,分维数反映出优势流通道的复杂性,低海拔的原始暗针叶林土和高海拔的亚高山草甸土具有复杂的优势流通道。优势流的存在对坡面水文过程产生重要的影响,是今后进一步认识森林水文效应的基础。     

Atrazine movement in soil: Comparison of field observations and PRZM simulations

The predictive capability of the pesticide root zone model (PRZM) was investigated for herbicide atrazine [2‐chloro‐4‐(ethylamino)‐6‐(isopropylamino)‐s‐triazine] in corn production under no‐till (NT) and conventional‐till (CT) management practices. Simulation values of atrazine residues obtained using our site‐specific soil and environmental data were compared with the actual values measured in soil samples taken from the root zones of the NT and CT plots during three growing seasons: 1986, 1987, and 1988. The mean concentration of atrazine in soil at each sampling time and depth after application, for each tillage treatment plot (NT or CT), was estimated based on the type of distribution (i.e., normal or lognormal). Overall, the PRZMs simulated concentrations for the top 10 cm of soil compared well with the atrazine residues measured in the CT plots, but overestimated measurements in NT plots. For example, in 1986 the mean atrazine concentration measured in soil samples taken 6 d after application from the top 10 cm of CT plots was 548 μg/kg (S.E. 198 μg/kg), and the PRZM predicted value was 690 μg/kg. In contrast, the mean atrazine concentration for the same soil depth increment in NT plots was 385 μg/kg (S.E. 154 μg/kg), with a PRZM predicted value of 674 μg/kg. Although the PRZM prediction was closer to the measured mean for atrazine concentrations in the top 10 cm of the CT system, the model did not transport atrazine to the lower soil depths, as the actual values have indicated in all 3 years. The results of this model comparison, especially for the lower soil depths (20 to 30 cm) in the NT practice, indicated that the PRZM model does not account for the preferential transport of, and, consequently, underestimates the atrazine residue levels in the lower soil profile under NT management systems.     

Volume Contents

Distribution of root systems through soils and recolonization of root channels by successive crops are fundamental, though difficult to study, processes of soil ecology. This article reports a minirhizotron (MR) study of corn and alfalfa root systems throughout the soil profile of Kalamazoo loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalf) monolith lysimeters for a three-year succession of corn, alfalfa and corn. Multiple-date comparisons within and between years were conducted to estimate total root densities in each soil horizon. Root recolonization was assessed by comparing every video frame of paired minirhizotrons, from recordings conducted one growing season apart. Distributions of corn root systems were modified by tillage practices. In 1994, root populations of corn in the Bt1 horizon peaked 75–90 days after planting (DAP). Numbers of corn roots per m2 in the Bt1 horizon were consistently higher for no-tillage (NT) than for conventional tillage (CT) lysimeters, in 1994 and 1996. Distribution of alfalfa roots within the soil profile was not significantly modified by tillage. However, alfalfa root decomposition rates responded to conventional and no-tillage practices and were specific for each soil horizon. Corn root systems growing in soils previously cropped with alfalfa presented similar patterns of root distribution by horizons as that of the previous alfalfa crop. Successive corn root systems did not display similar distribution patterns throughout the soil profile from one growing season to the next. Proportions of roots of the current crop recolonizing root induced macropores (RIMs) of the previous crop averaged 18% for corn after corn, 22% for alfalfa after corn and 41% for corn after alfalfa, across Bt horizons and tillage treatments. In conclusion, distribution of corn root systems appeared to be modified by tillage practices and root recolonization of RIMs was controlled by the preceding crop.     

绿洲农田土壤优先流特征及其对灌溉量的响应

优先流是土壤养分和水分快速通过土壤剖面的普遍物理现象.研究农田土壤优先流特征及其影响因素,对量化绿洲灌溉深层渗漏量、提高水肥利用效率以及降低浅层地下水质污染的风险具有重要意义.在绿洲农田利用亮蓝溶液进行原位染色示踪试验,结果表明：沟与垄位置处的染色路径数目在土壤深度7.3～16.7 cm差异显著,而优先流最大入渗深度差异不显著.优先流最大入渗深度主要受蚂蚁洞穴和灌溉量的影响,平均灌溉量120 mm下优先流的最大入渗深度为(43.1±5.9) cm;受到蚂蚁洞的影响,灌溉量55 mm的样方优先流最大入渗深度达(68.3±7.6) cm.细根(Φ≤2 mm)与优先流显著相关,粗根与优先流相关性不显著,表明植物根系中的细根对优先流的产生有重要作用.绿洲农田土壤优先流特征受到灌溉量、垄沟耕作、蚂蚁洞穴和根系等因素的影响,而蚂蚁洞穴是影响优先流最大入渗深度的不确定因素.     

保护地蔗田对土壤优先流与根系生物量及产量品质的影响

为探明保护性耕作对蔗田土壤及甘蔗生长的影响,该研究设置2种耕作方式(常规耕作、粉垄耕作)与2种施肥水平(减量施肥20%、常规施肥),并于甘蔗苗期后在甘蔗行间近根部覆盖豆科秸秆,以第二年宿根蔗为研究对象,采用染色示踪法测定秸秆覆盖下蔗田土壤优先流特征,同时测定分析甘蔗株高、茎围、地下根系生物量、产量及品质等重要农艺性状。结果表明:(1)粉垄耕作方式下蔗田土壤优先流发生速度快且活跃,添加秸秆覆盖降低了土壤优先流发生程度,增加了土壤水分在10～25 cm土层的横向运移能力,在一定程度上提高了土壤蓄水能力。(2)粉垄保护性耕作在秸秆覆盖下提高了甘蔗根系生物量和产量,秸秆覆盖下粉垄免耕宿根蔗根系生物量提高了8.97%～25.54%,并且减量施肥处理中秸秆覆盖宿根蔗伸长期地下根系生物量显著高于无秸秆覆盖,秸秆覆盖下甘蔗株高提高了4.2%～13.1%; 在减量施肥处理中,粉垄耕作添加秸秆覆盖甘蔗产量提高了16.27%,并且添加秸秆覆盖较常规施肥中无秸秆覆盖,产量提高了5.95%。(3)粉垄保护性耕作利于提高甘蔗品质,对比无秸秆覆盖处理,粉垄耕作下秸秆覆盖后显著提高了甘蔗蔗汁视纯度,并且宿根蔗纤维分、蔗汁锤度、转光度和蔗糖分均有提升。综上认为,免耕秸秆覆盖可作为粉垄红壤坡耕地蔗田保护性生产调控方式。     

贡嘎山暗针叶林土壤优先流形成因素的初步研究

该研究以长江上游贡嘎山暗针叶林生态系统的降雨过程、地被物层、根系层及土壤层的生长发育特点和水分运动状况为基础,利用自制实验仪器,在研究区域开展室内土柱实验,与野外实地示踪影像分析及树种根系调查相结合,针对研究区域土壤包气带根系层中水分快速运动的优先流形成的内外影响因子展开研究工作。研究结果表明研究区域土壤松散和多孔,土壤的孔隙度较大,大部分降雨为低强度、低雨量级和长历时,并具有较厚的地被物层和丰富的根系层,这些诱发因素存在,使研究区域——贡嘎山高山生态系统具有优先流形成的条件,降雨不会对土壤造成击溅作用,水分运移沿着土壤孔隙或植物根孔等处开辟优先路径,在地被物层及土壤层形成一个水流通道,随着长历时的降雨的继续,水分及其所携带的溶质继续沿着此路径向下运移。     

Distribution of Field Corn Roots and Parasitic Nematodes in Subsoiled and Nonsubsoiled Soil

A field trial was conducted for 2 years in an Arredondo fine sand containing a tillage pan at 15-20 cm deep to determine the influence of subsoiling on the distribution of corn roots and plant-parasitic nematodes. Soil samples were taken at various depths and row positions at 30, 60, and 90 days after planting in field corn subsoiled under the row with two chisels and in non-subsoiled corn. At 30 and 60 days, in-row nematode population densities to 60 cm deep were not affected by subsoiling compared with population densities in nonsubsoiled plots. After 90 days, subsoiling had not affected total root length or root weight at the 20 depth-row position sampling combinations, but population densities of Meloidogyne incognita and Criconemella spp. had increased in subsoiled corn. Numbers of Pratylenchus zeae were not affected. Subsoiling generally resulted in a change in distribution of corn roots and nematodes in the soil profile but caused little total increase in either roots or numbers of nematodes. Corn yield was increased by subsoiling.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis increases relative apoplastic water flow in roots of the host plant under both well-watered and drought stress conditions

Background and Aims

The movement of water through mycorrhizal fungal tissues and between the fungus and roots is little understood. It has been demonstrated that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis regulates root hydraulic properties, including root hydraulic conductivity. However, it is not clear whether this effect is due to a regulation of root aquaporins (cell-to-cell pathway) or to enhanced apoplastic water flow. Here we measured the relative contributions of the apoplastic versus the cell-to-cell pathway for water movement in roots of AM and non-AM plants.

Methods

We used a combination of two experiments using the apoplastic tracer dye light green SF yellowish and sodium azide as an inhibitor of aquaporin activity. Plant water and physiological status, root hydraulic conductivity and apoplastic water flow were measured.

Key Results

Roots of AM plants enhanced significantly relative apoplastic water flow as compared with non-AM plants and this increase was evident under both well-watered and drought stress conditions. The presence of the AM fungus in the roots of the host plants was able to modulate the switching between apoplastic and cell-to-cell water transport pathways.

Conclusions

The ability of AM plants to switch between water transport pathways could allow a higher flexibility in the response of these plants to water shortage according to the demand from the shoot.     

Testosterone metabolism in neuroendocrine organs in male rats under atrazine and deethylatrazine influence

The inhibitory influence of atrazine and deethylatrazine on testosterone metabolism in male rat anterior pituitary and hypothalamus were studied under in vivo and in vitro experimental conditions. In vivo strong influence of atrazine (12 mg/100 g by wt. daily during 7 days) on 5 alpha-R, 3 alpha- and 17 beta-HSD activities was detected in the anterior pituitary. This dose provokes a significant increase in the weight of the pituitary gland, with hyperemia and hypertrophy of chromophobic cells with vacuolar degeneration. In vivo treatment of male rats with the same dose of deethylatrazine markedly inhibited 5 alpha-R activity in the anterior pituitary. The rate of 5 alpha-R activity inhibition in the anterior pituitary was the same after in vivo treatment with atrazine (37.3%) as with deethylatrazine (33.9%). This could suggest that the mechanism of inhibition of deethylatrazine is similar to that of atrazine. In vitro atrazine or deethylatrazine addition into the incubation medium significantly (P less than 0.01) inhibited 5 alpha-R, 3 alpha- and 17 beta-HSD activities in the anterior pituitary. The inhibition of 5 alpha-R activity was marked more by atrazine than deethylatrazine, while 3 alpha- and 17 beta-HSD activities were inhibited at the same rate. In vivo treatment with the same dose of atrazine or deethylatrazine (12 mg/100 g by wt daily 7 days) significantly inhibited (P less than 0.01) 5 alpha-R and 17 beta-HSD at the male rat hypothalamic level. 3 alpha-HSD activity inhibition was not significant for either compound. The in vitro addition of deethylatrazine was much more effective (P less than 0.01) in inhibiting 5 alpha-R, 3 alpha- and 17 beta-HSD in male rat hypothalamus than atrazine. In spite of this, deethylatrazine seems to be less toxic in in vivo experiments due to its higher polarity and faster biodegradation.     

White clover living mulch increases the yield of silage corn via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of white clover living mulch on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus colonization of corn roots and the yield of silage corn. The following seven treatments were setup in a field that had been kept bare by rotary tillage from August 2003 to July 2004: two white clover living mulch treatments without phosphorus (P) application, with the white clover shoots clipped and removed or allowed to lie in place before sowing corn; one no-tillage treatment without P application; and four rotary tillage treatments with different P application rates. White clover was broadcasted in the living mulch treatments in August 2004. In June 2005, the white clover shoots in the living mulch treatments were clipped. After tilling the four rotary tillage treatments, corn was sown in all the treatments. The fallow period before sowing corn was 0 month (living mulch treatments) and 22 months (no-tillage and rotary tillage treatments). At knee high stage, the AM fungus colonization of the corn roots and the P concentrations of the corn shoots in both the living mulch treatments were increased relative to those in the other treatments. The yield of corn tended to increase in the no-tillage and rotary tillage treatments with an increase in the P application rate. On the other hand, the yields of corn in the living mulch treatments without the P application were not significantly different from the maximum yield among the no-tillage and rotary tillage treatments. These results suggested that the white clover living mulch increased the yield of corn by facilitating the AM fungus colonization and improving the P nutrition of corn.     

Phosphorus effect on phosphatase activity in endomycorrhizal maize

Success of a mycorrhizal symbiosis is influenced by the availability of phosphorus (P) in the soil. Maize ( Zea mays L. cv. Great Lakes 586) plants were grown under five different levels of soil P, either in the presence or absence of formononetin or the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith. We detected physiological differences in mycorrhizal roots very early in the development of symbiosis, before the onset of nutrient‐dependent responses. Under low P levels, VAM roots accumulated a greater shoot dry weight (13%), root P concentration (15%) and protein concentration (30%) than non-VAM roots, although root growth was not statistically significantly different. At higher P levels, mycorrhizal roots weighed less than non-VAM roots (10%) without a concomitant host alteration of growth or root P concentration. Mycorrhizal colonization decreased as soil P increased. Formononetin-treatment enhanced colonization of the root by G. intraradices and partially overcame inhibition of VAM colonization by high soil P concentrations. This is the first report that formononetin improves root colonization under high levels of soil P. Acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were closely related to the level of fungal colonization in corn roots. ACP activity in corn roots responded more to soil P availability than did ALP activity (38% more). These results suggest that ACP was involved in the increased uptake of P from the soil, while ALP may be linked to active phosphate assimilation or transport in mycorrhizal roots. Thus, soil P directly affected a number of enzymes essential in host-endophyte interplay, while formononetin enhanced fungal colonization.     

Indirect influence of s-triazines on rat gonadotropic mechanism at early postnatal period

Daily s.c. injections of atrazine and deethylatrazine to rat mothers during pregnancy only or during pregnancy and lactation influenced the pituitary-gonadal axis of male and female offsprings. In female and male offspring, slow maturation of gonadotropic system is evident and as a consequence modified male and female pituitary 5 alpha-R activity is present. The number of specific steroid-hormone receptor sites at the offsprings' gonads is unchanged if the mothers were treated only during pregnancy, but 5 alpha-DHT prostate receptors are strongly inhibited in offspring of mothers treated with atrazine and deethylatrazine during pregnancy and lactation.     

Sulfate transport of excised roots as an index of genotype response to herbicides

The inhibitory action of four herbicides (atrazine, dalapon, moiinate, propanil) on the membrane transport of sulfate by excised roots was evaluated in tolerant ( Oryza saliva ) and susceptible ( Pisam sativum, Hordeum vulgare ) cultivated species, and in a tolerant and susceptible variety of a weed ( Brassica rapa ). A parallelism between the response of the root transport activity and the general response of the genotype was ascertained, irrespective of the metabolic target of the herbicide. The inhibition mechanism of sulfate uptake was either competitive, non competitive, or uncompetitive, but this aspect was not correlated with the response of the genotype to the herbicide. The kinetics of absorption ¹⁴C atrazine by excised roots and by chloroplasts of Brassica rapa were strictly related: the amount of atrazine binding to roots and to chloroplasts was higher in the susceptible than in the resistant variety. The Sevel of atrazine inhibition of sulfate transport in roots was correlated to that of the Hill reaction; both were higher in the susceptible variety. The membrane transport within the roots appears to summarize and anticipate the metabolic response of genotypes to herbicides.     

Transverse hydraulic redistribution by a grapevine

Root hydraulic redistribution has been shown to occur in numerous plant species under both field and laboratory conditions. To date, such water redistribution has been demonstrated in two fundamental ways, either lifting water from deep edaphic sources to dry surface soils or redistributing water downward (reverse flow) when inverted soil Ψ_s gradients exist. The importance of hydraulic redistribution is not well documented in agricultural ecosystems under field conditions, and would be important because water availability can be temporally and spatially constrained. Herein we report that a North American grapevine hybrid (Vitis riparia × V. berlandieri cv 420 A) growing in an agricultural ecosystem can redistribute water from a restricted zone of available water under a drip irrigation emitter, laterally across the high resistance pathways of the trunk and into roots and soils on the non-irrigated side. Deuterium-labelled water was used to demonstrate lateral movement across the vine's trunk and reverse flow into roots. Water redistribution from the zone of available water and into roots distant from the source occurred within a relatively short time frame of 36 h, although overnight deposition into rhizosphere soils around the roots was not detected. Deuterium was eventually detected in rhizosphere soils adjacent to roots on the non-irrigated side after 7 d. Application of identical amounts of water with the same deuterium enrichment level (2%) to soils without grapevine roots showed that physical transport of water through the vapour phase could not account for either downward or transverse movement of the label. These results confirmed that root presence facilitated the transport of label into soils distant from the wetted zone. When deuterium-labelled water was allowed to flow directly into the trunk above the root–trunk interface, reverse flow occurred and lateral movement across the trunk and into roots originating around the collar region did not encounter large disproportionate resistances. Rapid redistribution of water into the entire root system may have important implications for woody perennial cultivars growing where water availability is spatially heterogeneous. Under the predominantly dry soil conditions studied in this investigation, water redistributed into roots may extend root longevity and increase the vines water capacitance during periods of high transpiration demand. These benefits would be enhanced by diminished water loss from roots, and could be equally important to other cited benefits of hydraulic redistribution into soils such as enhancement of nutrient acquisition.     

Effect of Water Deficit and Membrane Destruction on Water Diffusion in the Tissues of Maize Seedlings

We investigated diffusion of water in maize seedlings (Zea mays L. cv. Dnepropetrovskaya) following addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (osmotic potential –0.1 and –0.3 MPa) to the root medium by NMR method with pulsed gradient of magnetic field. Diffusion coefficients of different water phases in plant tissues (water of apoplast and vacuoles, water transported through the membranes) have been estimated from multicomponent decays of echo amplitude. Different signs of changes of water diffusion coefficients of fast and slow components of diffusional echo decay in roots and leaves under the influence of PEG-induced water deficits were shown. It has been supposed that under water deficit a sharing of water flows takes places through the different pathways (apoplastic, symplastic and transmembrane). In roots, 1-h water deficit increased the rate of fast diffusing water (water of apoplasm, vacuoles and, perhaps, water contained in intercellular endoplasm system), and decreased the rate of slowly diffusing water (water passing across the membranes). A long-term water deficit increased to a small extent the rate of water transmembrane transfer in root tissue. Leaf response to water stress was in the intensification of rate of transmembrane water transport that could be connected with the expression of water channels, and in the decrease of apoplastic water flow and flow along endoplasm. The possibility of estimation of plant tissue (membrane) integrity on the basis of diffusional data has been demonstrated.     

Importance of Preferential Flow and Soil Management in Vertical Transport of a Biocontrol Strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens in Structured Field Soil

The large-scale release of wild-type or genetically modified bacteria into the environment for control of plant diseases or for bioremediation entails the potential risk of groundwater contamination by these microorganisms. For a model study on patterns of vertical transport of bacteria under field conditions, the biocontrol strain Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0, marked with a spontaneous resistance to rifampin (CHA0-Rif), was applied to a grass-clover ley plot (rotation grassland) and a wheat plot. Immediately after bacterial application, heavy precipitation was simulated by sprinkling, over a period of 8 h, 40 mm of water containing the mobile tracer potassium bromide and the dye Brilliant Blue FCF to identify channels of preferential flow. One day later, a 150-cm-deep soil trench was dug and soil profiles were prepared. Soil samples were extracted at different depths of the profiles and analyzed for the number of CHA0-Rif cells and the concentration of bromide and Brilliant Blue FCF. Dye coverage in the soil profiles was estimated by image analysis. CHA0 was present at 10(sup8) CFU/g in the surface soil, and 10(sup6) to 10(sup7) CFU/g of CHA0 was detected along macropores between 10 and 150 cm deep. Similarly, the concentration of the tracer bromide along the macropores remained at the same level below 20 cm deep. Dye coverage in lower soil layers was higher in the ley than in the wheat plot. In nonstained parts of the profiles, the number of CHA0-Rif cells was substantially smaller and the bromide concentration was below the detection limit in most samples. We conclude that after heavy rainfall, released bacteria are rapidly transported in large numbers through the channels of preferential flow to deeper soil layers. Under these conditions, the transport of CHA0-Rif is similar to that of the conservative tracer bromide and is affected by cultural practice.     

Glutathione conjugation: atrazine detoxication mechanism in corn

Glutathione conjugation (GS-atrazine) of the herbicide, 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (atrazine) is another major detoxication mechanism in leaf tissue of corn (Zea mays, L.). The identification of GS-atrazine is the first example of glutathione conjugation as a biotransformation mechanism of a pesticide in plants. Recovery of atrazine-inhibited photosynthesis was accompanied by a rapid conversion of atrazine to GS-atrazine when the herbicide was introduced directly into leaf tissue. N-De-alkylation pathway is relatively inactive in both roots and shoots. The nonenzymatic detoxication of atrazine to hydroxyatrazine is negligible in leaf tissue. The hydroxylation pathway contributed significantly to the total detoxication of atrazine only when the herbicide was introduced into the plant through the roots. The metabolism of atrazine to GS-atrazine may be the primary factor in the resistance of corn to atrazine.     

Ethylene enhances water transport in hypoxic aspen

Water transport was examined in solution culture grown seedlings of aspen (Populus tremuloides) after short-term exposures of roots to exogenous ethylene. Ethylene significantly increased stomatal conductance, root hydraulic conductivity (L(p)), and root oxygen uptake in hypoxic seedlings. Aerated roots that were exposed to ethylene also showed enhanced L(p). An ethylene action inhibitor, silver thiosulphate, significantly reversed the enhancement of L(p) by ethylene. A short-term exposure of excised roots to ethylene significantly enhanced the root water flow (Q(v)), measured by pressurizing the roots at 0.3 MPa. The Q(v) values in ethylene-treated roots declined significantly when 50 microM HgCl(2) was added to the root medium and this decline was reversed by the addition of 20 mM 2-mercaptoethanol. The results suggest that the response of Q(v) to ethylene involves mercury-sensitive water channels and that root-absorbed ethylene enhanced water permeation through roots, resulting in an increase in root water transport and stomatal opening in hypoxic seedlings.     

Sodium transport in plants: a critical review

Sodium (Na) toxicity is one of the most formidable challenges for crop production world-wide. Nevertheless, despite decades of intensive research, the pathways of Na(+) entry into the roots of plants under high salinity are still not definitively known. Here, we review critically the current paradigms in this field. In particular, we explore the evidence supporting the role of nonselective cation channels, potassium transporters, and transporters from the HKT family in primary sodium influx into plant roots, and their possible roles elsewhere. We furthermore discuss the evidence for the roles of transporters from the NHX and SOS families in intracellular Na(+) partitioning and removal from the cytosol of root cells. We also review the literature on the physiology of Na(+) fluxes and cytosolic Na(+) concentrations in roots and invite critical interpretation of seminal published data in these areas. The main focus of the review is Na(+) transport in glycophytes, but reference is made to literature on halophytes where it is essential to the analysis.