Effects of external NaCl on the growth of Atriplex amnicola and the ion relations and carbohydrate status of the leaves

Abstract Atriplex amnicola, was grown in nutrient solution cultures with concentrations of NaCl up to 750 mol m^?3. The growth optimum was at 25–50 mol m^?3 NaCl and growth was 10–15% of that value at 750 mol m^?3 NaCl. Sodium chloride at 200 mol m^?3 and higher reduced the rate of leaf extension and increased the time taken for a leaf to reach its maximal length. Concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺ and Mg²⁺ in leaves of different ages were investigated for plants grown at 25, 200 and 400 mol m^?3 NaCl. Although leaves of plants grown at 200 and 400 mol m^?3 NaCl had high Na⁺ concentrations at young developmental stages, much of this Na⁺ was located in the salt bladders. Leaves excluding bladders had low Na⁺ concentrations when young, but very high in Na⁺ when old. In contrast to Na⁺, K⁺ concentrations were similar in bladders and leaves excluding bladders. Concentrations of K⁺ were higher in the rapidly expanding than in the old leaves. At 400 mol m^?3 NaCl, the K⁺:Na⁺ ratios of the leaves excluding bladders were 0.4–0.6 and 0.1 for rapidly expanding and oldest leaves, respectively. The Na⁺ content in moles per leaf, excluding bladders, increased linearly with the age of the leaves; concurrent increases in succulence were closely correlated with the Na ⁺ concentration in the leaves excluding the bladders. Soluble sugars and starch in leaves, stems and buds were determined at dusk and dawn. There was a pronounced diurnal fluctation in concentrations of carbohydrates. During the night, most plant parts showed large decreases in starch and sugar. Concentrations of carbohydrates in most plant organs were similar for plants grown at 25 and 400 mol m^?3 NaCl. One notable exception was buds at dusk, where sugar and starch concentrations were 30–35% less in plants grown at 400 mol m^?3 NaCl than in plants grown at 25 mol m^?3 NaCl. The data indicate that the growth of A. amnicola at 400 mol m^?3 NaCl is not limited by the availability of photosynthate in the plant as a whole. However, there could have been a growth limitation due to inadequate organic solutes for osmotic regulation.     

Effects of NaCl on ion relations and carbohydrate status of roots and on osmotic regulation of roots and shoots of Atriplex amnicola

Abstract Atriplex amnicola was grown at 25, 200 or 400 mol m³ NaCl. Root tissues at different stages of development were investigated for concentrations of K⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺, and in some cases for Cl^?. Sugar and starch concentrations were measured for plants grown at 25 or 400 mol m³ NaCl. In the ‘slightly vaeuolated’ root tips, Na⁺ was only 40 mol m^?3 at an external concentration of 400 mol m^?3 NaCl. The concentrations of K⁺ were not affected substantially by external NaCl between 25 mol m^?3 and 400 mol m^?3. The ‘highly vacuolated’ root tissues had substantially higher concentrations of K⁺, Na⁺ and Cl^? in plants grown at 200 and 400 mol m ³ NaCl than in plants grown at 25 mol m^?3 NaCl. Concentrations of Cr and of the sum of the cations in recently expanded tissue were similar to those in the bulk of the roots, consisting mainly of old cells. However, the K⁺: Na⁺ decreased with age; at 400 mol m^?3 external NaCl with a K⁺: Na⁺ of 0.012, the K⁺: Na⁺ in recently expanded 12 mm root tips was as high as 1.6, compared with 0.7 for the bulk of the roots. These ion data were used to estimate cytoplasmic and vacuolar concentrations of K⁺ and Na ⁺. Such calculations indicated that between 25 mol m³ and 400 mol m^?3 external NaCl the concentration of the sum of (Na⁺+K⁺) in the cytoplasm was maintained at about 180–200 mol m^?3 (cell water basis). In contrast, the (Na⁺+ K⁺) concentration in the vacuole was 170 mol m^?3 for plants grown at 25 mol m^?3 NaCl and 420 mol 400 mol m^?3 NaCl. The expanding root (issues exhibited greatly decreased soluble sugars and starch between dusk and dawn. Ai both times, sugar and starch concentrations in these tissues were 2.5–4.0 times greater in plants grown at 400 mol m^?3 NaCl compared with plants grown at 25 mol m^?3 NaCl. In contrast, carbohydrate concentrations in expanded root tissues were very similar at 25 and 400 mol m^?3 and showed little diurnal fluctuation. This paper considers the causes for the slower growth of A. amnicola at 400 than at 25 mol m”³ NaCl, using the data for the roots described here, and those for the shoots presented in the preceding paper (Aslam et al., 1986). There is no support for possible adverse effects by high internal ion concentrations. Instead, there may be deficiencies in supply of organic solutes for osmotic regulation; during part of the night a limited supply of such solutes may well restrict the rate of expansion of cells in plants growing at 400 mol m^?3 NaCl. There is insufficient evidence to decide whether this limitation in the expanding tissues is particularly prominent for the roots or for the shoots.     

Photosynthetic responses to salinity in two clones of Agrostis stolonifera

Abstract The response of photosynthesis, F_e, to salinity was examined in two clones of Agrostis stolonifera, one derived from a salt marsh (SM) and the other from an inland site (IL). The response of young and old leaves was examined over one week of salt treatment and changes in leaf water relations and concentrations of Na⁺, Cl^? and K⁺ ions were also monitored. Sodium⁺ and chloride^? concentrations rose much more sharply in the older leaves of both clones and F_e declined to ca. zero by Day 4. F_e in the young leaves of the SM clone was unaffected by salt whilst the young leaves of the IL clone showed a 20% reduction in F_e within 24 h of salt application. This decline was due to a decline in stomatal conductance and a reduction in the photosynthetic capacity of the mesophyll and was associated with a greater accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^? ions and loss of K⁺ ions than in the SM clone. The significance of the salt exclusion from the young leaves of the SM clone to its growth on the salt marsh is discussed.     

油菜素内酯对盐渍下油菜幼苗生长的调控效应及其生理机制

为了探讨油菜素内酯对植物耐盐性的调控,以甘蓝型油菜"南盐油1号"为试验材料,研究了外源24-表油菜素内酯(24-EBL)对100、200 mmol/L Na Cl胁迫下油菜幼苗干重(DW)、相对含水量(RWC)、渗透调节能力(OAA)、叶片气体交换参数、气孔限制值(Ls)等的调节效应,还测定了不同器官的Na+、K+、Cl-含量,并计算各器官的K+/Na+和SK,Na。结果表明:(1)在不同浓度的盐胁迫下,油菜幼苗DW显著下降,胁迫下外源喷施10-12、10-10、10-8、10-6mol/L 24-EBL作用下,油菜植株干重均不同程度的上升,且植株干重都在10-10mol/L 24-EBL(EBL2)处理下达到最大值,分别比100、200 mmol/L Na Cl胁迫下增加29%和20%。与对照相比,非盐胁迫下外源喷施10-12、10-10、10-8、10-6mol/L 24-EBL,油菜幼苗植株干重与对照相比均无显著变化。(2)不同Na Cl浓度胁迫下,油菜叶片的RWC显著下降,外施EBL2可显著提高油菜叶片的RWC和OAA。(3)不同浓度Na Cl胁迫下,油菜幼苗叶片净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和蒸腾速率(Tr)均不同程度下降,而Ls显著上升,而外喷EBL2可不同程度的提高Pn、Gs、Ci、Tr,降低Ls。(4)与对照相比,Na Cl胁迫下油菜幼苗叶片、叶柄和根的Na+和Cl-含量均显著上升,Na Cl浓度愈高,Na+和Cl-含量上升愈显著。而K+含量均下降,外源EBL2可显著降低幼苗各器官的Na+和Cl-含量,对幼苗叶片K+含量没有影响,但提高了叶柄和根中的K+含量。上述表明,合适浓度的24-EBL外喷可明显提高油菜的耐盐水平,且不同浓度Na Cl胁迫下,最适24-EBL浓度均为10-10mol/L。主要是因为外源喷施24-EBL能显著改善离子稳态和渗透调节能力,从而改善盐胁迫下油菜幼苗的光合作用、水分状况,提高其耐盐性。而24-EBL对盐处理下油菜植株气孔限制的显著改善是其促进其光合、水分利用的重要原因,也是其对100 mmol/L Na Cl处理的油菜生长调控效果优于200 mmol/L Na Cl处理的重要原因之一。结果还显示,在叶片中,24-EBL外施可通过排Na+和Cl-来维持植株离子稳态,而对K+影响不大;在根、茎中可通过排Na+、排Cl-、吸K+维持稳态。     

Salt-Induced Hypodermal Transfer Cells in Roots of Prosopis farcta and Ion Distribution within Young Plants

Prosopis farcta was grown on hydroculture with additions of 0.5, 10, 50, and 100 mM NaCl and without salt treatment. In plants from a 0.5 mM NaCl treatment, Cl^? was taken up into stems and leaves, but Na⁺ was withheld from the shoot. At 10 mM NaCl, shoot K⁺ concentration was below that of the control; Na⁺ and Cl^? were taken up to stems and cotyledons in nearly equimolar amounts. However, in the leaves, Na⁺ concentrations were only half of those of Cl^?. With increasing salt stress, Na⁺ and Cl^? were transported to the shoot, but kept at relatively low levels in the roots. Na⁺/ K⁺ ratios in roots did not increase proportionally to those in the solution. At an external Na⁺/K⁺ of > 5 and a root Na⁺/K⁺ of >1 (10 mM NaCl treatment), K⁺ selectivity was induced which rose exponentially with increasing salt stress; and cell wall protuberances were discovered in the hypodermis at the zone of side root formation. These transfer cells were found neither in roots from the 0.5 mM NaCl treatment nor in the controls. Their possible role in the Na⁺/K⁺ selectivity of the roots of Prosopis farcta is discussed.     

Vegetative growth,compatible solute accumulation,ion partitioning and chlorophyll fluorescence of ‘Malas-e-Saveh’ and ‘Shishe-Kab’ pomegranates in response to salinity stress

The present research was conducted to assess physiological responses of ‘Malas-e-Saveh’ (Malas) and ‘Shishe-Kab’ (Shishe) pomegranates to water of different salt content and electrical conductivity (1.05, 4.61, and 7.46 dS m^?1). Both cultivars showed a reduced trunk length due to salinity. Relative water content and stomatal conductivity of both cultivars were significantly reduced under salt stress, but ion leakage increased. In both cultivars, total chlorophyll (Chl) and carbohydrates decreased with rise in salinity, while proline accumulation increased. With salinity increment, the Chl fluorescence parameters (maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII and effective quantum yield of PSII) declined significantly in both cultivars, with higher reduction observed in Shishe. Generally, more Na⁺ accumulated in shoots and more Cl^? was observed in leaves. Cl^? accumulation increased by salinity in leaves of Malas, but it was reduced in Shishe. The K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in leaves decreased in both cultivars by salinity increment. Malas was less affected by osmotic effects of NaCl, but it accumulated more Cl^? in its leaves. Thus, Malas might be more affected by negative effects of salinity.     

Cell ultrastructure and fatty acid composition of lipids in vegetative organs of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chenopodium album</Emphasis> L. under salt stress conditions

White goosefoot plants (Chenopodium album L. of the family Chenopodiaceae) grown at various NaCl concentrations (3–350 mM) in the nutrient solution were used to study the cell ultrastructure as well as the qualitative and quantitative composition of fatty acids in the lipids of vegetative organs. In addition, the biomass of Ch. album vegetative organs, the water content, and the concentrations of K⁺, Na⁺, and Cl^– were determined. The growth rates of plants raised at NaCl concentrations up to 200–250 mM were the same as for the control plants grown at 3 mM NaCl; the growth parameters remained rather high even at NaCl concentrations of 300–350 mM. The water content in Ch. album organs remained high at all NaCl concentrations tested. Analysis of the ionic status of Ch. album revealed a comparatively high K⁺ content in plant organs. At low NaCl concentrations in the nutrient solution, K⁺ ions were the dominant contributors to the osmolarity (the total concentration of osmotically active substances) and, consequently, to the lowered cell water potential in leaves and roots. As the concentration of NaCl was increased, the plant organs accumulated larger amounts of Na⁺ and Cl^–, and the contribution of these ion species to osmolarity became increasingly noticeable. At 300–350 mM NaCl the contribution of Na⁺ and Cl^– to osmolarity was comparable to that of K⁺. An electron microscopy study of Ch. album cells revealed that, apart from the usual response to salinity manifested in typical ultrastructural changes of chloroplasts, mitochondria, and the cytosol, the salinity response comprised the enhanced formation of endocytic structures and exosomes and stimulation of autophagy. It is supposed that activation of these processes is related to the removal from the cytoplasm of toxic substances and the cell structures impaired by salt stress conditions. The qualitative and quantitative composition of fatty acids in the lipids of Ch. album organs was hardly affected by NaCl level. These findings are consistent with the high salt tolerance of Ch. album, manifested specifically in retention of growth functions under wide-range variations of NaCl concentration in the nutrient solution and in maintenance of K⁺, Na⁺, and Cl^– content in organs at a constant level characteristic of untreated plants.     

Salt resistance in two cashew species is associated with accumulation of organic and inorganic solutes

This study establishes relationships between salt resistance and solute accumulation in roots and leaves of two contrasting cashew species. The sensitive (Anacardium microcarpum) and resistant (A. occidentale) species showed maximum root LD₅₀ values (the external NaCl concentration required for a 50% reduction in dry weight) of 63 and 128?mM NaCl, whereas the shoot LD₅₀ values were 90 and 132?mM, respectively. The salt sensitivity was directly associated with Na⁺ accumulation and especially with the Cl^? content in leaves and to a minor extent in roots. The accumulation of saline ions was associated with higher net uptake rates by roots and transport rates from root to shoot in the sensitive cashew species. The K⁺/Na⁺ ratios were not associated with salt resistance either in roots or leaves. Proline and free amino acid concentrations were strongly increased by salinity, especially in the leaves of the resistant species. The soluble sugar concentrations were not influenced by NaCl treatments in leaves of both species. In contrast, the root soluble sugar content was significantly decreased by salinity in the sensitive species only. In conclusion, the higher salt sensitivity of A. microcarpum is associated to an inefficient salt exclusion system of the leaves, especially for Cl^?. On the other hand, the resistant species displays higher concentrations of organic solutes especially a salt-induced accumulation of proline and free amino acids in leaves.     

Fatty acid composition of lipids in vegetative organs of the halophyte Suaeda altissima under different levels of salinity

Qualitative and quantitative composition of fatty acids (FA) in the lipids of vegetative organs of the halophyte Suaeda altissima (L.) Pall. grown at different NaCl concentrations in nutrient solution was studied. Along with this, the biomass of these organs, the content of water and Na⁺, Cl^?, and K⁺ ions in them, and the ultrastructure of root and leaf cells were determined. At both low (1 mM) and high (750 mM) NaCl concentrations in nutrient solution, plants could maintain growth and water content in organs, demonstrating a noticeable increase in the dry weight and a slight increase in the water content at 250 mM NaCl. At all NaCl concentrations in nutrient solution, S. altissima tissues contained a relatively high K⁺ amount. Under salinity, Na⁺ and Cl^? ions contributed substantially into the increase in the cell osmotic pressure, i.e., a decrease in their water potential; in the absence of salinity, K⁺ fulfilled this function. In the cells of both roots and leaves, NaCl stimulated endo- and exocytosis, supposedly involved in the vesicular compound transport. 750 mM NaCl induced plasmolysis and changes in the membrane structure, which can be interpreted as degradation processes. Under optimal NaCl concentration in medium (250 mM), the content of lipids in plant aboveground organs per fresh weight was more than 2.5-fold higher than under 1 or 750 mM NaCl, whereas in the roots opposite patten was observed. When plants were grown under non-optimal conditions, substantial changes occurred in the qualitative and quantitative FA composition in lipids of both aboveground organs and roots. Observed changes are discussed in relation to processes underlying S. altissima salt tolerance and those of disintegration occurring at the high external NaCl concentration (750 mM).     

Relationship between cation accumulation and water content of salt-tolerant grasses and a sedge

Abstract Salt-tolerant grasses and a sedge were grown at three salinities in a controlled-environment greenhouse. They were measured for growth rate, ash content, water content and cations. Fourteen species from the genera Sporobolus, Aeluropus, Leptochloa, Paspalum, Puccinellia, Hordeum, Elymus, Distichlis and Spartina survived up to the highest salt treatment (540 mol m^?3 NaCl). These were designated halophytes. Eleven species from the genera Triticum, Phragmites, Dactylotenium, Cynodon, Polypogon, Panicum, Jovea and Heleocharis only survived up to 180 mol m^?3 NaCl and were designated salt-tolerant glycophytes. All species except Distichlis palmeri grew fastest on the non-saline control treatment. All species tended to have higher Na⁺ contents and lower K⁺ and water contents on saline treatments compared to control plants. Halophytes differed from glycophytes in having statistically significant lower water contents on the non-saline treatment, and lower ash contents and Na:K ratios on 180 mol m^?3. However, the range of values among species was greater than the differences between halophytes and glycophytes. All species appeared to use Na⁺ accumulation and loss of water as the main means of osmotic adjustment. Three halophytic species were grown for a longer period of time to check the above results. The osmolality of the cell sap was measured directly by the vapour pressure method and compared to calculated values based on Na⁺, K⁺ and water contents (and assuming a balancing anion such as Cl^?). Na⁺ and K⁺ alone could account for greater than 75% of the osmotic potential at all salinities. Hence, the accumulation of organic solutes did not appear to be an important factor in the osmotic adjustment of these species. The results support the conclusion that grasses coordinate Na⁺ uptake and water loss to maintain a constant osmotic potential gradient between the shoot tissues and the external solution. The results were compared to a previous study with dicotyledonous halophytes at the same location.     

Effects of 24‐epibrassinolide on plant growth,osmotic regulation and ion homeostasis of salt‐stressed canola

This study evaluated effects of foliar spraying 24‐epibrassinoide (24‐EBL) on the growth of salt‐stressed canola. Seedlings at the four‐leaf stage were treated with 150 mm NaCl and different concentrations of 24‐EBL (10^?6, 10^?8, 10^?10, 10^?12 m ) for 15 days. A concentration of 10^?10 m 24‐EBL was chosen as optimal and used in a subsequent experiment on plant biomass and leaf water potential parameters. The results showed that 24‐EBL mainly promoted shoot growth of salt‐stressed plants and also ameliorated leaf water status. Foliar spraying of salt‐stressed canola with 24‐EBL increased osmotic adjustment ability in all organs, especially in younger leaves and roots. This was mainly due to an increase of free amino acid content in upper leaves, soluble sugars in middle leaves, organic acids and proline in lower leaves, all of these compounds in roots, as well as essential inorganic ions. Na⁺ and Cl^? sharply increased in different organs under salt stress, and 24‐EBL reduced their accumulation. 24‐EBL improved the uptake of K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and NO₃^? in roots, which were mainly transported to upper leaves, while NO₃^? was mainly transported to middle leaves. Thus, 24‐EBL improvements in ion homeostasis of K⁺/Na⁺, Ca²⁺/Na⁺, Mg²⁺/Na⁺ and NO₃^?/Cl^?, especially in younger leaves and roots, could be explained. As most important parts, younger leaves and roots were the main organs protected by 24‐EBL via improvement in osmotic adjustment ability and ion homeostasis. Further, physiological status of growth of salt‐stressed canola was ameliorated after 24‐EBL treatment.     

Contributions of inorganic ions,soluble carbohydrates,and multiatomic alcohols to water homeostasis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia lerchiana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. pauciflora</Emphasis>

Two morphological forms of wormwood Artemisia lerchiana (f. erecta and f. nutans) and A. pauciflora Web. (morphological form erecta) were grown on sand culture at a range of NaCl concentrations in the nutrient medium and then assayed for Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^? content in various organs. In addition, the content of mono-, di-, and trisaccharides and multiatomic alcohols (mannitol and glycerol); water content; and organ biomass were determined. All plants examined showed high NaCl tolerance, comparable to that of halophytes. They were able to maintain high tissue hydration under conditions of salinity-induced growth suppression. The intracellular osmotic pressure in wormwood organs was mainly determined by the presence of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^?, as well as by mono-, di-, and trisaccharides, mannitol, and glycerol. The high content of Na⁺ and Cl^? in wormwood organs was also observed in the absence of salinity, which implies the ability of these organs to absorb ions from diluted NaCl solutions and accumulate ions in cells of their tissues. With the increase in salinity, the content of Na⁺ and Cl^? in roots and leaves increased to even higher levels. It is concluded that the ability of wormwood plants to absorb and accumulate inorganic ions provides for sustainable high intracellular osmotic pressure and, accordingly, low water potential under drought and salinity conditions. Growing plants under high salinity lowered the content of monosaccharides in parallel with accumulation of the trisaccharide raffinose. It is supposed that soluble carbohydrates and multiatomic alcohols are not only significant for osmoregulation but also perform a protective function in wormwood plants. The lower osmotic pressure in root cells compared to that in leaf cells of all plants examined was mainly due to the gradient distribution of K⁺ and Cl^? between roots and leaves. The two Artemisia species and two morphological forms of A. lerchiana did not differ appreciably in the ways of water balance regulation. It is found that different morphologies of two A. lerchiana forms are unrelated to variations in intracellular osmotic and turgor pressures.     

Is salinity tolerance related to Na accumulation in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seedlings?

Physiological responses to salt stress were studied in two cotton cultivars previously selected on the basis of growth under salinity. Plants were grown in nutrient solutions under controlled conditions. In the first experiment, the genotypes were grown at different salt concentrations (0, 100 and 200 mt M NaCl) and growth rates, water contents and ion accumulation were determined. In a second experiment, both genotypes were grown at the same salt concentration (200 mt M NaCl). Dry matter partitioning in individual leaves, stem and roots, water contents, specific leaf area (SLA), ion accumulation (K⁺, Na⁺, Cl^–) and leaf water potentials were measured. Finally, an experiment with low salt levels (2.7 and 27 mt M NaCl) was run to compare K and Na⁺ uptake and distribution.There were no differences in growth between the cultivars in the absence of salt stress, whereas under stress genotype Z407 had higher leaf area and dry matter accumulation than P792. Leaf water potential and leaf water content were lower in cv P792 than in cv Z407. There were no significant differences in the levels of Cl^– accumulation between genotypes. The main feature of the tolerant genotype (Z407) was a higher accumulation of Na⁺ in leaves and an apparent capacity for K⁺ redistribution to younger leaves.We postulate that the higher tolerance in Z407 is the result of several traits such as a higher Na⁺ uptake and water content. Adaptation through adequate, but tightly controlled ion uptake, typical of some halophytes, matched with efficient ion compartmentation and redistribution, would result in an improved water uptake capacity under salt stress and lead to maintenance of higher growth rates.     

Physiological adjustment to salt stress in Jatropha curcas is associated with accumulation of salt ions,transport and selectivity of K+, osmotic adjustment and K+/Na+ homeostasis

This study assessed the capacity of Jatropha curcas to physiologically adjust to salinity. Seedlings were exposed to increasing NaCl concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mm ) for 15 days. Treatment without NaCl was adopted as control. Shoot dry weight was strongly reduced by NaCl, reaching values of 35% to 65% with 25 to 100 mm NaCl. The shoot/root ratio was only affected with 100 mm NaCl. Relative water content (RWC) increased only with 100 mm NaCl, while electrolyte leakage (EL) was much enhanced with 50 mm NaCl. The Na⁺ transport rate to the shoot was more affected with 50 and 100 mm NaCl. In parallel, Cl^? transport rate increased with 75 and 100 mm NaCl, while K⁺ transport rate fell from 50 mm to 100 mm NaCl. In roots, Na⁺ and Cl^? transport rates fell slightly only in 50 mm (to Na⁺) and 50 and 100 mm (to Cl^?) NaCl, while K⁺ transport rate fell significantly with increasing NaCl. In general, our data demonstrate that J. curcas seedlings present changes in key physiological processes that allow this species to adjust to salinity. These responses are related to accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^? in leaves and roots, K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis, transport of K⁺ and selectivity (K–Na) in roots, and accumulation of organic solutes contributing to osmotic adjustment of the species.     

Significance of Na<Superscript>+</Superscript> and K<Superscript>+</Superscript> for Sustained Hydration of Organ Tissues in Ecologically Distinct Halophytes of the Family Chenopodiaceae

The contents of Na⁺, K⁺, water, and dry matter were measured in leaves and roots of euhalophytes Salicornia europaea L. and Climacoptera lanata (Pall.) Botsch featuring succulent and xeromorphic cell structures, respectively, as well as in saltbush Atriplex micrantha C.A. Mey, a halophyte having bladder-like salt glands on their leaves. All three species were able to accumulate Na⁺ in their tissues. The Na⁺ content in organs increased with elevation of NaCl concentration in the substrate, the concentrations of Na⁺ being higher in leaves than in roots. When these halophytes were grown on a NaCl-free substrate, a trend toward K⁺ accumulation was observed and was better pronounced in leaves than in roots. Particularly high K⁺ concentrations were accumulated in Salicornia leaves. There were no principal differences in the partitioning of Na⁺ and K⁺ between organs of three halophyte species representing different ecological groups. At all substrate concentrations of NaCl, the total content of Na⁺ and K⁺ in leaves was higher than in roots. This distribution pattern persisted in Atriplex possessing salt glands, as well as in euhalophytes Salicornia and Climacoptera. The physiological significance of such universal pattern of ion accumulation and distribution among organs in halophytes is related to the necessity of water absorption by roots, its transport to shoots, and maintenance of sufficient cell water content in all organs under high soil salinity.     

NaCl胁迫对滨梅扦插苗生物量和水分积累的影响

以1年生滨梅(Prunus maritima Marshall)扦插苗为实验材料,在盆栽条件下用质量浓度为0.15%、0.29%、0.58%、0.88%、1.17%、1.46%的NaCl溶液进行盐胁迫处理,测定胁迫后根、茎、叶Na+、K+含量以及全叶、一年生茎、二年生茎和根系生物量、含水率、根系活力变化,探讨滨梅的抗盐胁迫机制。结果显示:(1)盐胁迫80d后,随着盐胁迫强度提高,滨梅植株根、茎、叶Na+含量显著提高,而其根、茎K+含量显著降低,根、茎、叶K+/Na+值显著降低;根Na+含量在低于0.58%NaCl胁迫下显著高于茎、叶,而在高于0.58%NaCl胁迫下却表现为叶Na+含量显著高于根、茎。(2)滨梅根、茎、叶生物量均随盐胁迫强度的提高呈先增加后减少的趋势;随着盐胁迫时间的延长,茎、叶生物量在低于0.58%NaCl胁迫下均呈积累趋势,且茎生物量在0.58%NaCl胁迫下显著提高,而根、一年生茎、叶生物量在高于0.58%NaCl胁迫下均显著下降。(3)滨梅茎、叶含水率均随盐胁迫强度的增加呈先增加后减少的趋势,而随着胁迫时间的延长呈逐渐减少趋势;根系活力及根含水率均随盐胁迫强度的提高而增加,但根含水率随着胁迫时间的延长变化不明显。由此可见,滨梅能通过根系稀释并蓄积Na+,保护地上部分正常生长,当进入根系的Na+量超过吸收阈值时,Na+迅速在叶中积累储存,且叶中较高含量的K+对Na+形成了有效的缓冲。     

Responses of some genetically diverse lines of chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) to salt

The salt tolerance of three tolerant accessions of chick pea, CM 663, 10130 and 10572 and three sensitive accessions 10582, 12908 and 12909 selected at the germination and seedling stage was assessed at the adult stage using sand culture salinized with 0, 40 or 80 mol m^-3 NaCl. The two tolerant accessions, CM 663 and 10572 and one sensitive, 12908 showed consistent correlation between the degrees of salt tolerance at the early growth stages and adult stage as the former two produced significantly higher seed yield compared with the other accessions and the latter did not survive till seed setting in the salt treatments. By contrast 10130 which was found relatively salt tolerant at the two early growth stages could not survive in 40 mol m^-3 NaCl till seed setting. Similarly two sensitive accessions, 10582 and 12909 not only survived at the adult stage but produced some yield as well. On the basis of performance of the six accessions at three different stages, accessions CM 663 and 10572 can be categorised as relatively salt tolerant, 12908 as sensitive and 10130, 10582 and 12909 as moderately tolerant. The tolerant accession CM 663 had high Na⁺ and Cl^- in the leaves but maintained high K:Na ratios and high K⁺ versus Na⁺ selectivity. This accession had relatively low leaf osmotic potential which may be due to its high accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^- in the leaves. By contrast the second tolerant accession 10572 had lowest Na⁺ and moderate Cl^- in the leaves.of all accessions but had highest K⁺ versus Na⁺ selectivity, although its leaf K:Na was intermediate. It had also relatively low osmotic potential which cannot be related to different ions determined in this study. The salt sensitive accession 12908 had high leaf Na⁺ and moderate Cl^- but had very low K:Na ratio (less than one) and K⁺ versus Na⁺ selectivity. The remaining accessions as a whole did not show any consistent pattern of uptake of different ions. The positive correlation between the degree of salt tolerance at different growth stages do exist in some accessions of chick pea examined in the present study, but for others in which no positive correlation was observed suggests that a combination of certain characters can be used as selection criterion for improving salt tolerance in chick pea.     

Isolation and characterization of NaCl resistant cell line of mulberry

The selected NaCl tolerant clones ofMorus alba L. cv. MR₂ grow better at higher concentration of NaCl than non-selected clones. With increasing NaCl concentration the Na⁺, Cl^? and proline content increased more and K⁺ and Ca²⁺ content decrease less in selected clones in comparison with non-selected ones.     

Kinetics of chloride transport in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus R-2 (Anacystis nidulans, S. leopoliensis) PCC 7942

The kinetics of the light-driven Cl^? uptake pump of Synechococcus R-2 (PCC 7942) were investigated. The kinetics of Cl^? uptake were measured in BG-11 medium (pH_o, 7·5; [K⁺]_o, 0·35 mol m^?3; [Na⁺]_o, 18 mol m^?3; [Cl^?]_o, 0·508 mol m^?3) or modified media based on the above. Net³⁶Cl^? fluxes (?Cl^?_o,i) followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and were stimulated by Na⁺ [18 mol m^?3 Na⁺ BG-11 ?Cl^?_max= 3·29±0·60 (49) nmol m^?2 s^?1 versus Na⁺-free BG-11 ?Cl^?_max= 1·02±0·13 (54) nmol m^?2 s^?1] but the Km was not significantly different in the presence or absence of Na⁺ at pH_o 10; the Km was lower, but not affected by the presence or absence of Na⁺ [Km = 22·3±3·54 (20) mmol m^?3]. Na⁺ is a non-competitive activator of net ?Cl^?_o,i. High [K⁺]_o (18 mol m^?3) did not stimulate net ?Cl^?_o,i or change the Km in Na⁺-free medium. High [K⁺]_o (18 mol m^?3) added to Na⁺ BG-11 medium decreased net ?Cl^?_o,i [18 mol m^?3K⁺ BG-11; ?Cl^?_max= 2·50±0·32 (20) nmol m^?2 s^?1 versus BG-11 medium; ?Cl^?_max= 3·35±0·56 (20) nmol m^?2 s^?1] but did not affect the Km 55·8±8·100 (40) mmol m^?3]. Na⁺-stimulation of net ?Cl^?_o,i followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics up to 2–5 mol m^?3 [Na⁺]_o but higher concentrations were inhibitory. The Km for Na⁺-stimulation of net ?Cl^?_o,i [K_1/2(Na⁺)] was different at 47 mmol m^?3 [Cl^?]_o (K_1/2[Na⁺] = 123±27 (37) mmol m^?3]. Li⁺ was only about one-third as effective as Na⁺ in stimulating Cl^? uptake but the activation constant was similar [K_1/2(Li⁺) = 88±46 (16) mmol m^?3]. Br^? was a competitive inhibitor of Cl^? uptake. The inhibition constant (Ki) was not significantly different in the presence and absence of Na⁺. The overall Ki was 297±23 (45) mmol m^?3. The discrimination ratio of Cl^? over Br^? (δCl^?/δBr^?) was 6·38±0·92 (df = 147). Synechococcus has a single Na⁺-stimulated Cl^? pump because the Km of the Cl^? transporter and its discrimination between Cl^? and Br^? are not significantly different in the presence and absence of Na⁺. The Cl^? pump is probably driven by ATP.     

Selection of a NaCl-tolerant Citrus plant

Summary The objective of the work was to select Citrus plants more tolerant to elevated NaCl concentrations in the irrigation water. For this purpose, unfertilized Troyer citrange ovules treated with a chemical mutagenic agent (ethyl methane sulphonate) were cultured in vitro. Whole plants were regenerated from embryos developed in the nucellar tissue of the ovule. The screening for salt tolerance was achieved by irrigating these plants with a nutrient solution containing 45 mM NaCl.Plants obtained from vegetative propagation of the selected plant show faster growth, less leaf damage and lower concentrations of Cl^– and Na⁺ in leaves than the original clone with increasing NaCl levels in the nutrient solution. In addition, the selected plant accumulated more Na⁺ in shoots and roots and this was accompanied by a significant reduction in K⁺concentration. It can be concluded that the selected plant restricts the accumulation of Na⁺ in leaves by concentrating Na⁺ in shoots and roots.Abbreviations EMS ethyl-methane-sulphonate - IBA indole 3-butyric acid