夜间低温后日间光照对海桐和榕树叶片的光抑制以及光系统II功能的影响

夜间低温导致海桐和榕树叶片光系统II(PSII)最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSII光合电子传递量子效率(ΦPSII)、天线转化效率(Fv'/Fm')、非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)降低,其后日间光照先引起海桐叶片Fv/Fm、ΦPSII、Fv'/Fm'稍微降低,其后又逐渐得到恢复,但NPQ却表现出相反趋势;夜间低温及随后的日间光照并未对海桐叶片光化学猝灭系数(qP)和初始荧光强度(Fo)产生影响。夜间低温后日间光照进一步引起榕树叶片Fv/Fm、ΦPSII、Fv'/Fm'、qP、NPQ下降,在午后光照减弱后仍不能得到恢复。     

不同水分胁迫对刺槐生理的影响

本文以二年生刺槐为供试材料,探讨水分胁迫对其生理的影响,为园林绿地中刺槐的灌溉提供理论指导.结果表明,水淹和干旱胁迫明显影响刺槐的生长.水淹11 d后,qP值、ETR值、Fv'/Fm'值和净光合速率的明显下降,qN值上升,19 d后植株死亡.中度干旱胁迫(土壤含水量在8%～15%之间)对植株生长有一定影响,表现为净光合速率的下降和qN值上升等;干旱胁迫(土壤含水量低于10%)严重抑制植株的生长,表现为qN值上升,而qP、ETR、Fv'/Fm'和净光合速率下降,处理19 d后干旱组植株死亡.轻度干旱(土壤含水量在15%～25%之间)适宜植物生长,表现为3次测定的qP、ETR、Fv'/Fm'、Fv/Fm和净光合速率都较高且稳定.土壤含水量日变化在15%～25%以内受轻度干旱胁迫是园林中刺槐的最佳灌溉方式,既不影响景观效果,同时也能节约灌溉用水.     

NaCl对小麦光合功能的伤害主要是由离子效应造成的

采用荧光动力学的方法来区分盐胁迫中的渗透因素和离子因素。用五种等渗Hogland培养液(分别含(NaCl,KCl,NaNO3,KNO3和PEG)对冬小麦处理两星期。结果,与对照相比,NaCl处理引起PSII受体侧电子库(CA/Fo)变小,PSII活性(Fv/Fo)、原初光能转化效率(Fv/Fm)、量子产量(Yield)与荧光化学猝灭系数(qP)下降,但使QB-非还原性PSII反应中心含量增加。然而,等渗的PEG处理并不产生类似的伤害。这表明渗透因素不是盐胁迫对光合作用造成伤害的主要原因。同时,KNO3处理对光合作用不产生伤害。由于NaCl和NaNO3处理均造成受体侧电子库变小,PSII活性和原初光能转化效率下降,并使QB-非还原性PSII反应中心增加,而等渗的PEG和KCl处理并不产生类似的伤害,这暗示Na+可能是盐胁迫影响光合作用的主要毒害离子。     

NaCl对小麦光合功能的伤害主要是由离子效应造成的

采用荧光动力学的方法来区分盐胁迫中的渗透因素和离子因素。用五种等渗Hogland培养液 (分别含 (NaCl,KCl,NaNO3,KNO3和PEG)对冬小麦处理两星期。结果 ,与对照相比 ,NaCl处理引起PSII受体侧电子库 (CA/Fo)变小 ,PSII活性 (Fv/Fo)、原初光能转化效率 (Fv/Fm)、量子产量 (Yield)与荧光化学猝灭系数 (qP)下降 ,但使QB_非还原性PSII反应中心含量增加。然而 ,等渗的PEG处理并不产生类似的伤害。这表明渗透因素不是盐胁迫对光合作用造成伤害的主要原因。同时 ,KNO3处理对光合作用不产生伤害。由于NaCl和NaNO3处理均造成受体侧电子库变小 ,PSII活性和原初光能转化效率下降 ,并使QB_非还原性PSII反应中心增加 ,而等渗的PEG和KCl处理并不产生类似的伤害 ,这暗示Na 可能是盐胁迫影响光合作用的主要毒害离子     

栽培和野生大豆及其杂交后代幼苗的耐氯性与多胺积累的关系

对经逐代耐盐性筛选的栽培和野生大豆杂交组合(‘Jackson’בBB52’)F4代‘JB185’株系及其亲本幼苗以不同浓度NaCl和等渗(-0.53 MPa)PEG-6000、NaCl、钠盐(无Cl-)和氯盐(无Na )溶液处理6d。结果表明:(1)随NaCl浓度的提高,3种遗传材料幼苗叶片相对电解质渗漏率和MDA含量均呈上升趋势,叶绿素含量除‘BB52’和‘JB185’在NaCl 50mmol/L处理时显著上升外,其余处理呈下降趋势,‘JB185’变化介于两亲本之间。(2)不同离子胁迫下,它们叶片相对电解质渗漏率和MDA含量较对照多表现增加趋势,其中‘BB52’和‘JB185’在钠盐(无Cl-)处理下的变化明显大于氯盐(无Na )处理。叶片中游离态和束缚态Put、Spd和Spm含量都较对照明显提高,但‘BB52’和‘JB185’在钠盐(无Cl-)处理下游离态(Spd Spm)/Put比值和束缚态多胺总量为3种盐处理中最低。表明‘JB185’与野生大豆‘BB52’种群一样对Na 敏感而对Cl-表现较强的耐性。     

不同产地茅苍术对淹水胁迫的生理生化响应及耐淹性的TOPSIS综合评价

以不同产地茅苍术为试验材料,研究了人工模拟淹水胁迫对不同产地茅苍术植株叶片的生理指标、光合和叶绿素荧光特性的影响,以期为茅苍术耐涝品种的筛选提供理论依据。结果表明:随着淹水胁迫时间的延长,不同产地植株叶片的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均呈先上升后下降趋势,其中SOD、POD分别于第2、6天达最高值;英山、信阳组CAT值均于第2天达最高值,而句容组于第4天达最高值,上升周期最长,且最高值最大;丙二醛(MDA)、游离脯氨酸(Pro)含量均呈上升趋势,7 d时显著高于未处理组;随着淹水胁迫时间的延长,不同产地植株叶片的净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、胞间二氧化碳浓度(Ci)和蒸腾速率(Tr)均持续下降,7 d时显著小于未处理组,但各产地间差异不显著;随着淹水胁迫时间的延长,不同产地植株叶片的最大光化学量子产量(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ潜在光化学活性(Fv/Fo)均呈下降趋势,句容组显著大于其他组,且淹水胁迫对茅苍术叶片Fv/Fo的影响比Fv/Fm大。有效光化学量子产量(Fv'/Fm')、表观光合电子传递速率(ETR)、光化学猝灭系数(q P)和非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)呈先上升后下降趋势,其中各组茅苍术Fv'/Fm'、ETR分别于胁迫第1天时达最高值;英山、信阳组q P、NPQ于第1天达最高值,句容组于第3天达最高值。通过TOPSIS法对生理、光合、叶绿素荧光指标进行综合评价,得出淹水胁迫下3个产地茅苍术植株耐涝性能大小顺序为句容英山信阳。     

外源茉莉酸对牛皮杜鹃UV-B辐射缓解作用研究

为了探究外源茉莉酸在UV-B辐射中可能的作用及缓解作用机制。茉莉酸预处理牛皮杜鹃4 d,PAR和UV-B下辐射48 h,对叶绿素荧光、过氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、丙二醛(MDA)、NADPH氧化酶和花青素进行测定。结果显示,UV-B辐射使Fm、Fv/Fm、Fv'/Fm'、Fv/Fo、qP、花青素含量以及CAT活性显著降低,qP和rETR快速光响应曲线下降幅度增大,同时显著提高SOD和NADPH氧化酶的活性。JA预处理显著提高Fm、Fv/Fm、Fv'/Fm'、Fv/Fo、qP、花青素含量以及SOD和NADPH氧化酶活性,并且维持MDA含量和CAT活性在对照水平,且使qP、NPQ和rETR快速光响应曲线呈现出最佳状态。这些结果证实了外施茉莉酸能够使牛皮杜鹃具有抗胁迫能力,部分抵消了UV-B辐射对牛皮杜鹃的负面影响的假说。     

外源ATP对NaCl胁迫下菜豆叶片叶绿素荧光特性的调节

盐胁迫是影响植物生长的主要逆境因子之一,外源ATP被发现可作为信号分子参与植物对逆境胁迫生理反应的调节。为了探明外源ATP在植物盐胁迫响应中的作用,以增强植物对土壤盐渍化的耐性,更好地应用于土壤盐渍化修复。该研究以菜豆( Phaseolus vulgaris)为材料,通过叶绿素荧光技术探讨了外源ATP 对菜豆叶片在NaCl胁迫下叶绿素荧光特性的变化规律。结果表明：在NaCl胁迫下,叶片光系统Ⅱ( PSⅡ)潜在最大光化学量子效率( Fv/Fm)、光适应下最大光化学效率( Fv′/Fm′)、PSⅡ光适应下实际光化学效率[ Y (Ⅱ)]、光化学荧光猝灭( qP)、电子传递速率( ETR)与对照组相比均有显著性下降,而非光化学猝灭( NPQ)和( qN)较对照组有显著性增加,这表明NaCl胁迫导致菜豆叶片光系统Ⅱ光化学效率的下降和光能耗散的增加。而外源ATP(eATP)的处理能有效缓解NaCl胁迫所造成的Fv/Fm、Fv′/Fm′、Y(Ⅱ)、qP、ETR下降和NPQ、qN的上升。该研究结果表明在NaCl胁迫下外源ATP可以有效地提高菜豆幼苗光系统Ⅱ( PSⅡ)的光化学反应效率。     

外源一氧化氮对NaCl胁迫下番茄幼苗生长和光合作用的影响

以2个耐盐性不同的番茄品种为材料,研究了外源NO供体硝普钠(SNP)处理对100mmol·L-1NaCl胁迫下番茄幼苗生长和光合作用的影响。结果表明:外源NO能使盐胁迫下的番茄幼苗叶片叶绿素含量、净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)升高,胞间CO2浓度(Ci)下降,叶绿素荧光参数Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo和T1/2增高,脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量升高。可见,外源NO有利于番茄幼苗对光能的捕获和转换,促进番茄的生长,降低盐胁迫对番茄的抑制作用。     

不同光质对木荷、杉木幼苗叶片叶绿素荧光参数和抗氧化酶活性的影响

以南方主要造林树种木荷和杉木幼苗为试验材料,研究了红光、蓝光和白光处理对幼苗叶片叶绿素荧光参数和抗氧化酶活性的影响。结果表明,木荷幼苗叶片初始荧光(Fo)、最大荧光(Fm)、可变荧光(Fv)和稳态荧光(Ft)均以白光最高,光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ潜在光化学效率(Fv/Fo)和PSⅡ的天线转换效率(Fv'/Fm')均以白光最高,蓝光次之,红光最低。与白光处理相比,蓝光处理增强木荷幼苗叶片超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,红光和蓝光降低过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性,增强过氧化物酶(POD)活性,提高叶片丙二醛(MDA)含量。杉木幼苗叶片Fo和Ft以红光最高,Fm和Fv以白光最高,Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo和Fv'/Fm'均以白光最高,蓝光次之,红光最低。不同处理间杉木幼苗叶片SOD、CAT活性和MDA含量均无显著差异,而POD活性差异显著,以白光处理最高。光质对2种树种幼苗的生长均具有调控作用,其中红光和蓝光处理均造成木荷和杉木幼苗叶片的潜在活力发生不同程度的下降,造成光胁迫,同时破坏幼苗叶片抗氧化酶系统的平衡,不利于幼苗生长。     

旱盐互作对冬小麦幼苗生长及其抗逆生理特性的影响

采用水培方法,以不同浓度的PEG-6000（0、8.3%、12.6%（W/V））和NaCl（0、25、50 mmol·L^-1）溶液模拟不同程度的干旱胁迫及盐胁迫,研究了盐分对干旱胁迫条件下冬小麦沧-6001幼苗生长及其抗逆生理特性的影响.结果表明：在8.3%或12.6% PEG-6000处理条件下,添加25 mmol·L^-1NaCl均使植株干物质积累和植株含水量比单一PEG处理增加,同时叶片可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白质含量增加,丙二醛和脯氨酸含量下降,植株各部位Na⁺含量升高、K⁺含量下降;在12.6% PEG-6000处理条件下,添加50 mmol·L^-1NaCl对植株的胁迫效应高于单一PEG处理.表明在干旱胁迫条件下,加入适量盐分可缓解干旱胁迫对冬小麦幼苗生长的抑制.     

Differential sensitivity to chloride and sodium ions in seedlings of Glycine max and G. soja under NaCl stress

High Na+ and Cl- concentrations in soil cause hyperionic and hyperosmotic stress effects, the consequence of which can be plant demise. Ion-specific stress effects of Na+ and Cl- on seedlings of cultivated (Glycine max (L.) Merr) and wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. Et Zucc.) were evaluated and compared in isoosmotic solutions of Cl-, Na+ and NaCl. Results showed that under NaCl stress, Cl- was more toxic than Na+ to seedlings of G. max. Injury of six G. max cultivars, including 'Jackson' (salt sensitive) and 'Lee 68' (salt tolerant), was positively correlated with the content of Cl- in the leaves, and negatively with that in the roots. In subsequent research, seedlings of two G. max cultivars (salt-tolerant Nannong 1138-2, and salt-sensitive Zhongzihuangdou-yi) and two G. soja populations (BB52 and N23232) were subjected to isoosmotic solutions of 150mM Na+, Cl- and NaCl, respectively. G. max cv. Nannong 1138-2 and Zhongzihuangdou-yi were damaged much more heavily in the solution of Cl- than in that of Na+. Their Leaves were found to be more sensitive to Cl- than to Na+, and salt tolerance of these two G. max cultivars was mainly due to successful withholding of Cl- in the roots and stems to decrease its content in the leaves. The reverse response to isoosmotic stress of 150 mM Na+ and Cl- was shown in G. soja populations of BB52 and N23232; their leaves were not as susceptible to toxicity of Cl- as that of Na+. Salt tolerance of BB52 and N23232 was mainly due to successful withholding of Na+ in the roots and stems to decrease its content in the leaves. These results indicate that G. soja have advantages over G. max in those traits associated with the mechanism of Cl-tolerance, such as its withholding in roots and vacuoles of leaves. It is possible to use G. soja to improve the salt tolerance of G. max.     

硅改善盐胁迫下库拉索芦荟生长和离子吸收与分布

Si2．0mmol／L处理明显缓解NaCl 100、200mmol／L胁迫120d对库拉索芦荟（Aloevera）生长的抑制作用。Si可显著降低NaCl胁迫下芦荟植株中的Na^＋和Cl^-含量,提高K^＋含量,从而显著降低K^＋／Na^＋,促进根对K^＋的选择性吸收（ASK,Na）和K^＋向地上部的选择性运输（TSK,Na）,以维持植株体内的离子稳态。根系和叶片横切面的X-射线能谱微区分析结果进一步证实了这一结果。Si改善盐胁迫下芦荟对K^＋的选择性吸收和运输的机制之一是通过显著提高盐胁迫下芦荟根细胞质膜H^＋ATPase、液泡膜H^＋-ATPase和液泡膜H^＋-PPase的活性。     

Lotus tenuis tolerates the interactive effects of salinity and waterlogging by 'excluding' Na+ and Cl- from the xylem

Salinity and waterlogging interact to reduce growth of poorly adapted species by, amongst other processes, increasing the rate of Na(+) and Cl(-) transport to shoots. Xylem concentrations of these ions were measured in sap collected using xylem-feeding spittlebugs (Philaenus spumarius) from Lotus tenuis and Lotus corniculatus in saline (NaCl) and anoxic (stagnant) treatments. In aerated NaCl solution (200 mM), L. corniculatus had 50% higher Cl(-) concentrations in the xylem and shoot compared with L. tenuis, whereas concentrations of Na(+) and K(+) did not differ between the species. In stagnant-plus-NaCl solution, xylem Cl(-) and Na(+) concentrations of L. corniculatus increased to twice those of L. tenuis. These differences in xylem ion concentrations, which were not caused by variation in transpiration between the two species, contributed to lower net accumulation of Na(+) and Cl(-) in shoots of L. tenuis, indicating that ion transport mechanisms in roots of L. tenuis were contributing to better 'exclusion' of Cl(-) and Na(+) from shoots, compared with L. corniculatus. Root porosity was also higher in L. tenuis, due to constitutive aerenchyma, than in L. corniculatus, suggesting that enhanced root aeration contributed to the maintenance of Na(+) and Cl(-) 'exclusion' in L. tenuis exposed to stagnant-plus-NaCl treatment. Lotus tenuis also had greater dry mass than L. corniculatus after 56 d in NaCl or stagnant-plus-NaCl treatment. Thus, Cl(-) 'exclusion' is a key trait contributing to salt tolerance of L. tenuis, and 'exclusion' of both Cl(-) and Na(+) from the xylem enables L. tenuis to tolerate, better than L. corniculatus, the interactive stresses of salinity and waterlogging.     

Regulation of paracellular ion conductances by NaCl gradients in renal epithelial cells

In the present study, we clarified how the NaCl gradient across the epithelial cells regulates the paracellular ion conductance. Under isotonic conditions, the absorption-directed NaCl gradient elevated the paracellular conductances of Na(+) (G(Na)) and Cl(-) (G(Cl)), while the secretion-directed NaCl gradient diminished the G(Na) and G(Cl). We further investigated the paracellular ionic conductances of NMDG (G(NMDG)) and gluconate (G(gluconate)) by replacing Na(+) with NMDG or Cl(-) with gluconate. The G(NMDG) was lower than the G(Na) and the replacement of Na(+) with NMDG decreased the G(Cl). The G(gluconate) was lower than the G(Cl) and the replacement of Cl(-) with gluconate also decreased the G(Na). These observations suggest the interaction of cations and anions on paracellular ionic conductances; i.e., cations affect paracellular anion conductances and anions affect paracellular cation conductances.     

Effect of divalent cations on ion fluxes and leaf photochemistry in salinized barley leaves

Photosynthetic characteristics, leaf ionic content, and net fluxes of Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) were studied in barley (Hordeum vulgare L) plants grown hydroponically at various Na/Ca ratios. Five weeks of moderate (50 mM) or high (100 mM) NaCl stress caused a significant decline in chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, and stomatal conductance (g(s)) in plant leaves grown at low calcium level. Supplemental Ca(2+) enabled normal photochemical efficiency of PSII (F(v)/F(m) around 0.83), restored chlorophyll content to 80-90% of control, but had a much smaller (50% of control) effect on g(s). In experiments on excised leaves, not only Ca(2+), but also other divalent cations (in particular, Ba(2+) and Mg(2+)), significantly ameliorated the otherwise toxic effect of NaCl on leaf photochemistry, thus attributing potential targets for such amelioration to leaf tissues. To study the underlying ionic mechanisms of this process, the MIFE technique was used to measure the kinetics of net Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) fluxes from salinized barley leaf mesophyll in response to physiological concentrations of Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Mg(2+), and Zn(2+). Addition of 20 mM Na(+) as NaCl or Na(2)SO(4) to the bath caused significant uptake of Na(+) and efflux of K(+). These effects were reversed by adding 1 mM divalent cations to the bath solution, with the relative efficiency Ba(2+)>Zn(2+)=Ca(2+)>Mg(2+). Effect of divalent cations on Na(+) efflux was transient, while their application caused a prolonged shift towards K(+) uptake. This suggests that, in addition to their known ability to block non-selective cation channels (NSCC) responsible for Na(+) entry, divalent cations also control the activity or gating properties of K(+) transporters at the mesophyll cell plasma membrane, thereby assisting in maintaining the high K/Na ratio required for optimal leaf photosynthesis.     

Photosynthetic limitations of a halophyte sea aster (Aster tripolium L) under water stress and NaCl stress

To understand the mechanisms of salt tolerance in a halophyte, sea aster ( Aster tripolium L.), we studied the changes of water relation and the factors of photosynthetic limitation under water stress and 300 mM NaCl stress. The contents of Na(+) and Cl(-) were highest in NaCl-stressed leaves. Leaf osmotic potentials ( Psi(s)) were decreased by both stress treatments, whereas leaf turgor pressure ( Psi(t)) was maintained under NaCl stress. Decrease in Psi(s) without any loss of Psi(t) accounted for osmotic adjustment using Na(+) and Cl(-) accumulated under NaCl stress. Stress treatments affected photosynthesis, and stomatal limitation was higher under water stress than under NaCl stress. Additionally, maximum CO(2) fixation rate and O(2) evolution rate decreased only under water stress, indicating irreversible damage to photosynthetic systems, mainly by dehydration. Water stress severely affected the water relation and photosynthetic capacity. On the other hand, turgid leaves under NaCl stress have dehydration tolerance due to maintenance of Psi(t) and photosynthetic activity. These results show that sea aster might not suffer from tissue dehydration in highly salinized environments. We conclude that the adaptation of sea aster to salinity may be accomplished by osmotic adjustment using accumulated Na(+) and Cl(-), and that this plant has typical halophyte characteristics, but not drought tolerance.     

The characterization of ion regulation in Amazonian mosquito larvae: evidence of phenotypic plasticity,population-based disparity,and novel mechanisms of ion uptake

This study is the first step in characterizing ion uptake mechanisms of mosquito larvae from the Amazon region of Brazil. Hemolymph NaCl levels and rates of unidirectional Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake were measured in larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in a series of environmental manipulations that are known to challenge ion regulation in other aquatic animals. Despite being reared for numerous generations in dilute media (20 micromol L(-1) NaCl), both species were able to maintain high hemolymph NaCl concentrations, a departure from previous studies. Exposure to distilled water or high-NaCl media did not affect hemolymph ion levels, but pH 3 caused significant decreases in hemolymph Na(+) and Cl(-) levels in both species. Exposure to water from Rio Negro (pH 5.5), an organically rich but ion-poor body of water, did not disturb hemolymph Na(+) and Cl(-) levels or the uptake of these ions. Acute exposure to control media or Rio Negro water titrated to pH 3.5 caused inhibition of Na(+) uptake and stimulation of Cl(-) uptake in C. quinquefasciatus, but A. aegypti larvae experienced only a significant reduction of Na(+) uptake in Rio Negro/pH 3.5 treatment. The stimulation of Cl(-) uptake at low pH has been documented only in aquatic insects and differs from all other invertebrate and vertebrate species. A similar pattern of Na(+) uptake inhibition and Cl(-) uptake stimulation was observed in A. aegypti larvae exposed to bafilomycin A(1), a blocker of V-type H(+) ATPase. Culex quinquefasciatus larvae were unaffected by this drug. Both Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake were reduced when C. quinquefasciatus larvae were exposed to acetazolamide, indicating that H(+) and HCO(3)(-), derived from hydration of CO(2), are involved with Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake. Kinetic analysis of Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake in C. quinquefasciatus, A. aegypti, and Anopheles nuneztovari larvae indicate that these Amazonian species share similar high-capacity and high-affinity mechanisms. Comparison of the Amazonian C. quinquefasciatus with a Californian population provided evidence of both phenotypic plasticity and population disparity in Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake, respectively. When the California population of C. quinquefasciatus was reared in a medium similar to that of the Amazonian group (60 micromol L(-1) NaCl) instead of 4,000 micromol L(-1) NaCl, larvae increased both Na(+) uptake capacity (J(max)) and affinity (i.e., reduced K(m)), yet Cl(-) uptake did not change from its nonsaturating, low-capacity pattern. In the reverse experiment, Amazonian C. quinquefasciatus demonstrated plasticity in both Na(+) and Cl(-) uptake by significantly reducing rates when held in 4,000 micromol L(-1) NaCl for 3 d.     

Solute balance of a maize (Zea mays L.) source leaf as affected by salt treatment with special emphasis on phloem retranslocation and ion leaching

Strategies for avoiding ion accumulation in leaves of plants grown at high concentration of NaCl (100 mol m(-3)) in the rooting media, i.e. retranslocation via the phloem and leaching from the leaf surface, were quantified for fully developed leaves of maize plants cultivated hydroponically with or without salt, and with or without sprinkling (to induce leaching). Phloem sap, apoplastic fluid, xylem sap, solutes from leaf and root tissues, and the leachate were analysed for carbohydrates, amino acids, malate, and inorganic ions. In spite of a reduced growth rate Na(+) and Cl(-) concentrations in the leaf apoplast remained relatively low (about 4-5 mol m(-3)) under salt treatment. Concentrations of Na(+) and Cl(-) in the phloem sap of salt-treated maize did not exceed 12 and 32 mol m(-3), respectively, and thus remained lower than described for other species. However, phloem transport rates of these ions were higher than reported for other species. The relatively high translocation rate of ions found in maize may be due to the higher carbon translocation rate observed for C(4) plants as opposed to C(3) plants. Approximately 13-36% of the Na(+) and Cl(-) imported into the leaves through the xylem were exported by the phloem. It is concluded that phloem transport plays an important role in controlling the NaCl content of the leaf in maize. Surprisingly, leaching by artificial rain did not affect plant growth. Ion concentrations in the leachate were lower than reported for other plants but increased with NaCl treatment.