| Abstract: | Growth and ion accumulation were measured in callus culturesof Cicer arietinum L. cv. BG-203, grown on media supplementedwith 0–200 mol m–3 NaCl. Fresh and dry weights decreasedat concentrations ranging from 100–200 mol m–3,the reduction being greater during the third and fourth weeksof culture. Slight stimulation of growth was observed at 25and 50 mol m–3 NaCl. There was also a decrease in tissuewater content (fresh weight: dry weight) at 100–200 molm–3 NaCl. The concentration of Na+ and Cl– in thetissue increased with increasing salinity of the medium. Mostof the accumulation of these ions occurred by the first weekwhile significant growth inhibition became apparent by onlythe third week of culture. Tissue K+ and Mg2+ decreased withincreasing salinization, the decrease being greater in K+ levels.Levels of Ca2+, however, were maintained throughout the experimentalrange. Key words: Cicer arietinum, NaCl stress, Callus cultures, Ion accumulation |
