Effect of salinity on nodule formation by soybean

A split-root growth system was employed to evaluate the effect of NaCl on nodule formation by soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv Davis). By applying the salinity stress and rhizobial inoculum to only one-half the root system, the effects of salinity on shoot growth were eliminated in the nodulation process. Rhizobium colonization of inoculated root surfaces was not affected by the salt treatments (0.0, 26.6, 53.2, and 79.9 millimolar NaCl). While shoot dry weight remained unaffected by the treatments, total shoot N declined from 1.26 grams N per pot at 0.0 millimolar NaCl to 0.44 grams N per pot at 79.9 millimolar NaCl. The concentration of N in the shoot decreased from 3.75% N (0.0 millimolar NaCl) to 1.26% N at 79.9 millimolar NaCl. The decrease in shoot N was attributed to a sharp reduction in nodule number and dry weight. Nodule number and weight were reduced by approximately 50% at 26.6 millimolar NaCl, and by more than 90% at 53.2 and 79.9 millimolar NaCl. Nodule development, as evidenced by the average weight of a nodule, was not as greatly affected by salt as was nodule number. Total nitrogenase activity (C₂H₂ reduction) decreased proportionally in relation to nodule number and dry weight. Specific nitrogenase activity, however, was less affected by salinity and was not depressed significantly until 79.9 millimolar NaCl. In a second experiment, isolates of Rhizobium japonicum from nodules formed at 79.9 millimolar NaCl did not increase nodulation of roots under salt stress compared to nodule isolates from normal media (0.0 millimolar NaCl). Salt was applied (53.2 millimolar NaCl) to half root systems at 0, 4, 12, and 96 hours from inoculation in a third experiment. By delaying the application of salt for 12 hours, an increase in nodule number, nodule weight, and shoot N was observed. Nodule formation in the 12- and 96-hour treatments was, however, lower than the control. The early steps in nodule initiation are, therefore, extremely sensitive to even low concentrations of NaCl. The sensitivity is not related to rhizobial survival and is probably due to the salt sensitivity of root infection sites.     

Polyhydric alcohol production and intracellular amino acid pool in relation to halotolerance of the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii

Changes in polyol production and the intracellular amino acid pool were followed during the growth cycle of Debaryomyces hansenii in 4 mM and 2.7 M NaCl media. The intracellular levels of polyols were markedly enhanced by high salinity, the dominant solutes being glycerol in log phase cells and arabinitol in stationary phase cells. At low salinity arabinitol was the most prominent intracellular solute throughout the growth cycle. There were no major changes in the composition of the total amino acid pool with changes in cultural salinity. The amount of total free amino acids related to cell dry weight was 15–50% lower in cells cultured in 2.7 M NaCl as compared to 4 mM NaCl media.After subtraction of contributions from intracellular polyols the calculated cellular C/N ratio was found to be unaffected by cultural age and salinity during the late log and early stationary phase. On prolonged incubation of stationary phase cells, this ratio decreased, particularly at high salinity. The sensitivity of cells towards exposure to high salinity was measured in terms of the length of the lag phase after transference to 2.7 M NaCl media. This lag phase decreased with increasing intracellular polyol concentrations. At a given polyol content, stationary phase cells were considerably less sensitive than were log phase cells.When cultured at high salinity the mutant strain, 26-2b, grew more slowly and retained less of the total polyol produced during the early growth stages than did the wildtype. Exogenously supplied mannitol, arabinitol, and glycerol stimulated the growth of the mutant in saline media. Erythritol was without effect.Abbreviations GLC gas-liquid chromatography - TCA trichloroacetic acid     

The growth and nodulation ofTrifolium alexandrinum as affected by salinity

The growth and nodulation ofTrifolium alexandrinum were compared at six levels (0 - 1.2 % NaCl) of salinity. Dry mass of shoots and roots, 14 and 20 weeks after the commencement of salinity treatment, increased at low levels of salinity (0.1 - 0.2 % NaCl) but decreased with higher NaCl concentrations (0.4 - 1.2 %). Nodulation occurred at NaCl concentrations up to 0.8 %. Nodule mass decreased with increasing salinity levels. The nodule size remained unaffected at NaCl concentrations up to 0.4 % but was reduced at higher concentrations.     

不同盐分水平对柽柳扦插苗根系生长及生理特性的影响

柽柳(Tamarix chinensis)作为黄河三角洲湿地的优势种之一,对盐渍化环境具有较好的适应性。根系作为植物直接感受盐分变化的器官,其对盐分条件的响应特征对研究植物生存、湿地恢复、土壤改良等具有重要意义。以一年生柽柳插穗为研究材料,采用水培法,设置6个盐分水平:CK(空白对照)、0.4%、0.8%、1.2%、2.4%、3.6%进行试验,测定柽柳生根率、根寿命、根系生物量等生长指标及根中ATP合成酶和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性及脱落酸(ABA)含量,研究柽柳根系生长及生理特性对不同盐分水平的响应。结果表明:(1)柽柳适合扦插繁殖的培养溶液含盐量低于0.8%;含盐量超过0.8%后,扦插生根率显著降低,根系寿命减短。(2)柽柳根长生长随含盐量升高呈下降趋势;主根数随含盐量升高先增加,至含盐量超过1.2%后逐渐减少。(3)柽柳可通过调整生物量的分配模式来适应盐环境,低盐时地上部生物量高于地下,高盐时根系生物量比例逐渐增加,但生物量仍低于地上部分。(4)ATP合成酶活性、CAT活性在含盐量低于0.8%时增加;含盐量超过0.8%时,活性降低;脱落酸(ABA)含量随含盐量增加先增加,含盐量超过1.2%时减少。     

THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS ON THE GERMINATION,GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUAEDA DEPRESSA (PURSH) WATS

A study was made to determine the effect of environmental parameters on the germination, growth, and development of Suaeda depressa (Pursh) Wats. Germination tests showed that seeds germinated in solutions containing up to 4 % NaCl with no toxic effects indicated after treatment with distilled water. The rate of germination and the percentage germination decreased with increased salinity. The effect of environmental parameters on growth was measured by shoot height, side shoot development, leaf length, and dry weight. Growth was greatest in 1 % NaCl solutions with adequate available nitrogen. With increased salinity and low available nitrogen levels plant growth decreased. A 10-hr photoperiod stimulated immediate floral induction. Although flowering and completion of the life cycle occurred in solutions containing up to 4 % NaCl, increased salinity decreased the rate of floral induction and the dry weight of flowers and fruit produced. This study indicates that environmental parameters such as salinity, available nitrogen, and photoperiod can create a variety of growth forms, causing taxonomic confusion.     

Diurnal cycles of leaf extension in unsalinized and salinized Beta vulgaris

Abstract. Continuous high resolution measurement of sugar beet leaf extension over 5 d in growth chambers showed average leaf extension rates (LER) in darkness to be from three to six times those in light for plants growing in non-salinized media. The changes in LER in light-dark transitions occurred within seconds, a response which was more rapid than stomatal opening or closing. When the growth medium was salinized to 100 mol m⁻³ NaCl, LER's were reduced by about 50% in darkness and 90% in light, markedly increasing the ratio of dark to light LER.
A 2-d episode of root-zone salinity imposed midway through a 5-d period of measurement decreased LER and produced higher leaf temperatures. LER and diurnal leaf temperature patterns reverted to their pre-salinized levels when root-zone salinity was removed. Thus, the effects of short episodes of high sodium chloride in the growth medium appear to be reversible, suggesting a water stress mechanism of growth reduction rather than toxicity effects of salt.     

The response of Mo-hydroxylases and abscisic acid to salinity in wheat genotypes with differing salt tolerances

The differential responses of the wheat cultivars Shi4185 and Yumai47 to salinity were studied. The higher sensitivity of Yumai47 to salinity was linked to a greater growth reduction under salt stress, compared to more salt-tolerant Shi4185. Salinity increased the Na⁺, proline and superoxide anion radical (O₂ ^?) contents in both cultivars. Leaf Na⁺ content increased less in the more salt-tolerant cultivar Shi4185 than salt-sensitive Yumai47. The proline content increased more significantly in Shi4185 than Yumai47; on the contrary, superoxide anion radical content increased less in Shi4185 than Yumai47. This data indicated that wheat salinity tolerance can be increased by controlling Na⁺ transport from the root to shoot, associated with higher osmotic adjustment capability and antioxidant activity. Although salinity increased aldehyde oxidase (AO) activity and abscisic acid (ABA) content in the leaves and roots of both cultivars following the addition of NaCl to the growth medium, AO and ABA increased more in the salt-sensitive cultivar Yumai47 than the more salt-tolerant cultivar Shi4185. Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity in the leaves of both cultivars increased with increasing concentrations of NaCl; however, leaf XDH activity increased more significantly in Yumai47 than Shi4185. Root XDH activity in Shi4185 decreased with increasing NaCl concentrations, whereas salinity induced an increased root XDH activity in Yumai47. The involvement of AO and XDH enzymatic activities and altered ABA content in the response mechanisms of wheat to salinity are discussed herein.     

Salinity effect on plant growth and leaf demography of the mangrove, Avicennia germinans L.

We assessed the effect of salinity on plant growth and leaf expansion rates, as well as the leaf life span and the dynamics of leaf production and mortality in seedlings of Avicennia germinans L. grown at 0, 170, 430, 680, and 940 mol m⁻³ NaCl. The relative growth rates (RGR) after 27 weeks reached a maximum (10.4 mg g⁻¹ d⁻¹) in 170 mol m⁻³ NaCl and decreased by 47 and 44% in plants grown at 680 and 940 mol m⁻³ NaCl. The relative leaf expansion rate (RLER) was maximal at 170 mol m⁻³ NaCl (120 cm m⁻² d⁻¹) and decreased by 57 and 52% in plants grown at 680 and 940 mol m⁻³ NaCl, respectively. In the same manner as RGR and RLER, the leaf production (P) and leaf death (D) decreased in 81 and 67% when salinity increased from 170 to 940 mol m⁻³ NaCl, respectively. Since the decrease in P with salinity was more pronounced than the decrease in D, the net accumulation of leaves per plant decreased with salinity. Additionally, an evident increase in annual mortality rates (λ) and death probability was observed with salinity. Leaf half-life (t _0.5) was 425 days in plants grown at 0 mol m⁻³ NaCl, and decreased to 75 days at 940 mol m⁻³ NaCl. Thus, increasing salinity caused an increase in mortality rate whereas production of new leaves and leaf longevity decreased and, finally, the leaf area was reduced.     

Effect of salt stress on growth parameters, enzymatic antioxidant system, and lipid peroxidation in wild chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Efficient utilization of saline land for food cultivation can increase agricultural productivity and rural income. To obtain information on the salt tolerance/susceptibility of wild chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), the influence of salinity (0–260 mM NaCl) on chicory seed germination and that of two salinity levels of irrigation water (100 and 200 mM NaCl) on plant growth, antioxidative enzyme activity, and accumulation of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated. The trials were performed outdoors, in pots placed under a protective glass covering, for two consecutive years. Seeds showed a high capacity to germinate in saline conditions. The use of 100 mM NaCl solution resulted in 81 % germination, whereas seed germinability decreased below 40 % using salt concentrations above 200 mM NaCl. Wild chicory showed tolerance to medium salinity (100 mM NaCl), whereas a drastic reduction in biomass was observed when 200 mM NaCl solution was used for irrigation. MDA, present in higher amounts in leaves than in roots, decreased in both tissues under increasing salinity. Proline content increased remarkably with the level of salt stress, more so in roots than in leaves. In salt stress conditions, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (APX, CAT, POD, SOD) was enhanced. The electrophoretic patterns of the studied enzymes showed that the salinity of irrigation water affected only the intensity of bands, but did not activate new isoforms. Our results suggest that wild chicory is able to grow in soil with moderate salinity by activating antioxidative responses both in roots and leaves.     

Effect of NaCl on Biomass and Contents of Sugars, Proline and Proteins in Seedlings and Leaf Explants of Nicotiana tabacum Grown in vitro

Effects of NaCl on growth in vitro and contents of sugars, free proline and proteins in the seedlings and leaf explants of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Virginia were investigated. The fresh and dry mass of the seedlings decreased under salinity. These growth parameters in leaf explants decreased at 50 mM NaCl and increased up to 150 mM NaCl and then decreased at higher level of salinity. Free proline content in both seedlings and leaf explants increased and polysaccharide content decreased continuously with increasing of NaCl concentration. Reducing sugars, oligosaccharides, soluble sugars and total sugars contents in both seedlings and leaf explants decreased up to 150 mM NaCl and then increased at higher concentrations of NaCl.     

Aster tripolium L. and Sesuvium portulacastrum L.: two halophytes, two strategies to survive in saline habitats.

Aster tripolium L. (Dollart, Germany) and Sesuvium portulacastrum L. (Dakhla, Morocco) are potential halophytic vegetables, fodder plants, and ornamentals for re-vegetating saline land. To compare their strategies involved in salt tolerance both plants were grown with 0%, 1.5%, and 3% (Aster) or 0%, 2.5%, and 5% (Sesuvium) NaCl in the watering solution. The growth rate was reduced in both species with increasing NaCl concentrations. The quotient of Na(+)/K(+) indicates that Aster accumulates more K(+) in comparison to Na(+) while the reverse is true for Sesuvium. Osmolality of the leaf sap increased with increasing NaCl concentration in both Aster and Sesuvium. Transpiration rate was severely reduced in both Aster (3%) and Sesuvium (5%) plants after 10 d of NaCl watering. The CO(2) assimilation rate decreased in Aster (3%) and Sesuvium (5%) NaCl-treated plants from day 5 to day 10. The most important results from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were derived from the non-photochemical quenching analysis (NPQ). First, both plants had linearly increasing levels of NPQ with increasing NaCl concentrations. Second, Sesuvium had almost half the NPQ value when compared to Aster under increased soil salinity. In Aster P-ATPase activities were decreased in plants treated with 3% NaCl after three days of treatment, F-ATPase activities increased with increasing NaCl concentrations and no clear changes were measured in V-ATPase activities. In Sesuvium any changes could be observed in the three ATPase activities determined. To conclude, Aster and Sesuvium use different strategies in adaptation to soil salinity.     

Growth and Fatty Acid Composition of Borage (Borago officinalis L.) Leaves and Seeds Cultivated in Saline Medium

The effects of salinity on growth and fatty acid composition of borage (Borago officinalis L.) leaves and seeds grown in hydroponic medium were investigated. Three different levels of NaCl (25, 50, and 75 mM) were applied. The first results showed that salinity significantly reduced plant growth by 56.5 % at 75 mM compared with the control, suppressed seed yield at 50 and 75 mM, and increased lipid peroxidation. Raising NaCl concentrations led to an important decrease in total fatty acid (TFA) content by 77 % at 75 mM NaCl. Moreover, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content decreased, whereas the saturated fatty acids increased with respect to increasing salinity. The 25 mM NaCl level did not modify the fatty acid composition of seeds and their contents.     

Effects of Salinity and Relative Humidity on Two Melon Cultivars Differing in Salt Tolerance

The effects of increasing relative humidity on the growth and salt tolerance of two melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars, Revigal C-8 (salt sensitive) and Galia (salt tolerant) was investigated. One month after germination, the plants were exposed for 15 d to 0 (control) and 80 mM NaCl, under relative humidity (RH), 30 and 70 %. The growth of the whole plant, leaf, stem and root of cv. Revigal C-8 was increased with increasing RH. On the other hand, cv. Galia showed an increase in root growth with increasing RH only under the NaCl treatment. Under salinity, most of the Na⁺ was withheld in the stems. An increase in RH in the NaCl treatment significantly decreased Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations in leaves of cv. Revigal C-8, while it had no effect on their concentrations in cv. Galia. In both cultivars, increasing RH under NaCl condition significantly decreased water contents in leaves and stems, and increased osmotic potential in roots. The amount of the root exudate of cv. Galia was significantly decreased with increasing RH, while it was not affected in cv. Revigal C-8. Under the NaCl treatment, cv. Galia had significantly higher leaf osmotic potential than cv. Revigal C-8 at both relative humidities and higher amount of root exudate at 30 % RH.     

Effects of environment on the uptake and distribution of calcium in tomato and on the incidence of blossom-end rot

Studies of Ca uptake and distribution in relation to environmental variables were used to relate Ca status of tomato fruit to blossom-end rot (BER) incidence. Ca uptake was highly correlated with solar radiation and root temperature. The rate of Ca uptake decreased linearly with increasing salinity. High humidity reduced Ca import by the leaves but increased that by the fruit. While total plant dry weight was reduced more than fruit dry weight by salinity, total Ca uptake and the Ca content of the fruit were decreased similarly. Thus, the concentration of calcium in the fruit was substantially reduced by salinity. The distal half of the fruit contained less Ca than the proximal half. The lowest % Ca was found in the distal placenta and locular tissues, where BER first develops. The incidence of BER was often stimulated more by high salinity achieved with the addition of major nutrients than with NaCl. The cause of BER is usually an interaction between the effects of irradiance and ambient temperature on fruit growth and the effects of environmental stress on calcium uptake and distribution within the whole plant.     

Growth responses of individual roots of Opuntia ficus-indica to salinity

Responses of individual roots of the widely cultivated cactus Opuntia ficus-indica to salinity stress were evaluated using a split-root system. Three roots from a plant with at least 20 roots were isolated from the remainder of the root system and exposed to 0, 30 or 100 mol m^-3 NaCl for up to 28 d. Cortical cells became shorter and lateral root development was substantially reduced as salinity increased. Compared with the control, the increase in dry weight for the isolated roots was reduced 40% by 30 mol m^-3 NaCl and 93% by 100mol m^-3 NaCl. The sodium content of roots increased only two-fold with increasing salinity. Respiration rates of roots exposed to 30 or 100 mol m^-3 NaCl were higher than those of the control. Carbon accumulation in roots measured 2 d after exposing shoots to ¹⁴CO₂ was not initially affected by 30 mol m^-3 NaCl but was substantially reduced at 100 mol m^-3 NaCl. Thus, roots exposed to short periods of moderate salinity stress maintained sufficient carbon sink strength for continued growth of the roots. Moreover, increased salinity led to decreased efficiency of carbon usage for the expansion of root surface area.     

Bacterial growth on N,N-dimethylformamide: implications for the biotreatment of industrial wastewater

The degradation of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) by bacterial consortia was investigated under aerobic, fermentative and nitrate-reducing conditions and a variety of salt concentrations (0.2%, 4% and 7% NaCl w/v) and pH values (5 and 7). Optimization of degradation conditions was studied to provide information and recommendations for large-scale biological treatment processes. Under aerobic conditions, mineralization of DMF (200 mg l⁻¹, 2.7 mM) was achieved under all combinations of salinity and pH. The rate of bacterial growth decreased with increasing salinity. Changes in the salt concentration and pH still resulted in mineralization and unchanged yield of bacterial cells. At 0.2% NaCl and either pH 5 or 7, growth occurred on DMF in the range 0.2–1 g l⁻¹. However, cell yield decreased with increasing concentrations of DMF. Under conditions of 0.2% NaCl, pH 7 and 4% NaCl, pH 5, growth on DMF at 5 g l⁻¹ resulted in the production of an intermediate that was detected using gas chromatography (GC). It is proposed that the intermediate was dimethylamine, and its persistence in growth media was attributed to suppressed growth as a result of an increase in pH. A culture capable of degrading DMF under nitrate-reducing conditions was obtained at 0.2% NaCl and pH 7, but not at more saline and acidic conditions. Growth and degradation of DMF were considerably slower under these conditions compared with aerobic conditions. Fermentative degradation of DMF was not observed. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 25, 8–16. Received 14 July 1999/ Accepted in revised form 30 March 2000     

Salt impact on photosynthesis and leaf ultrastructure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aeluropus littoralis</Emphasis>

The effects of salinity (400 mM NaCl) on growth, biomass partitioning, photosynthesis, and leaf ultrastructure were studied in hydroponically grown plants of Aeluropus littoralis (Willd) Parl. NaCl produced a significant inhibition of the main growth parameters and a reduction in leaf gas exchange (e.g. decreased rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance). However, NaCl salinity affected neither the composition of photosynthesis pigments nor leaf water content. The reduction in leaf gas exchange seemed to correlate with a decrease in mesophyll thickness as well as a severe disorganisation of chloroplast structure, with misshapen chloroplasts and dilated thylakoid membranes. Conspicuously, mesophyll chloroplasts were more sensitive to salt treatment than those of bundle sheath cells. The effects of NaCl toxicity on leaf structure and ultrastructure and the associated physiological implications are discussed in relation to the degree of salt resistance of A. littoralis.     

Growth and chemical composition of dry beans as affected by soil salinity and N fertilization

Summary The effects of three levels of N (0, 50 and 100 ppm) and four salinity regimes (0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mmhos/cm) on the growth and mineral composition of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Bean plants treated with N produced more dry weight and contained higher N than the untreated check. Growth and N uptake by bean plants generally decreased with increasing irrigation water salinity at all N levels. High salinity caused severe burning of the margins of older leaves and stunting of growth. At the low salinity levels (0.5 and 1.5 mmhos/cm), N additions had no effect on growth; however, the suppressing effects of higher salinity were alleviated somewhat with N fertilization.The concentration and uptake of Cl and Na increased with increasing salinity; probably the relatively high accumulations of Cl and Na were responsible for growth reductions at high salinity.     

Salt tolerance of the annual halophyte <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cakile maritima</Emphasis> as affected by the provenance and the developmental stage

Though halophytes are naturally adapted to salinity, their salt-tolerance limits are greatly influenced by their provenance and developmental stage. In the present study, physio-biochemical responses of two Tunisian ecotypes of the oilseed coastal halophyte Cakile maritima (Brassicaceae) to salinity (0–400 mM NaCl) were monitored during germination and vegetative growth stages. Tabarka and Jerba seeds were collected from humid or arid climatic areas, respectively. Plant response to salinity appeared to depend on the ecotype and salinity levels. Increasing salinity inhibited germination process. Jerba seeds were found to be more salt tolerant than the Tabarka ones. At the autotrophic stage of growth and under salt-free conditions, Jerba was less productive than Tabarka (in terms of dry matter accumulation), but plant biomass production and leaf expansion (area and number) of the former ecotype were progressively improved by 100 mM NaCl, as compared to the control. In contrast, at the same salt concentration, these parameters decreased under increasing salinity in Tabarka (salt sensitive). Leaf chlorophyll content was reduced at severe salinity, but this effect was more conspicuous in the sensitive Tabarka plants. Na⁺ contents in the Jerba and Tabarka leaves collected from the 400 mM NaCl-treated plants were 17- and 12-fold higher than in the respective controls. This effect was accompanied by a significant reduction in the leaf K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents, especially in the salt-treated Tabarka. A significant accumulation of proline and soluble carbohydrates in leaves was found during the period of intensive leaf growth. These organic compounds likely play a role in leaf osmotic adjustment and in protection of membrane stability at severe salinity.     

Growth, proline accumulation and ion content in sodium chloride-stressed callus of date palm

Summary Growth and physiological responses of date palm. Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Barhee, callus to salinity stress were examined. Callus induced from shoot tips of offshoots was cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with NaCl at concentrations ranging from 0 to 225 mM, in consective increments of 25 mM. Data obtained after 6 wk of exposure to salt have shown a significant increase in callus proliferation in response to 25 mM NaCl the lowest level tested, beyond which callus weight decreased. At 125 mM NaCl and higher, callus growth was nearly completely inhibited. Physiological studies on callus exposed to salt stress have shown an increase in proline accumulation in response to increased salinity. Proline accumulation was correlated to callus growth inhibition. Furthermore, increasing the concentration of NaCl in the culture medium generally resulted in a steady increase in Na⁺ and reduction in K⁺ concentrations. However, at 25 mM NaCl, the only level at which callus growth was significantly enhanced, an increase in K⁺ content was noted, in comparison to the NaCl free control. In response to increasing external NaCl level, the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio increased The Na⁺/K⁺ ratio was positively correlated to proline accumulation and hence callus growth inhibition. This study provides, an understanding of the response of date palm callus to salinity, which is important for future studies aimed at developing strategies for selecting and characterizing somaclonal variants tolerant to salt stress.