Use of Photosynthesis and Transpiration for Early Selection of Salt Tolerant Triticales

Three cultivars of winter hexaploid triticales M2A/JAIN, DF 99/Yogu "S5", and Asseret were grown on nutrient solution with or without 75 mM NaCl. Stomatal permeability and transpiration rate decreased in all salt-stressed triticale cultivars. Net photosynthetic rate (P_N) of cv. M2A and Asseret was not affected by NaCl. On the contrary, P_N in cv. DF99 was reduced in relation to control plants. A higher water-use efficiency under saline conditions led to better salt tolerance of cv. M2A compared to cvs. Asseret and DF99. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of ouabain on stomatal movements and transpiration rate of Secale cereale

Young rye seedlings (Secale cereale cv. Petkus) were grown for 12 or 18 din aerated nutrient solution. CO2-free air in light or in darkness induced stomatal opening. When light and CO2-free air were applied together, maximum stomatal opening was observed. Na+ channel inhibitor [3H]ouabain was taken up from nutrient medium and translocated into the leaves via the xylem sap. The presence of 10-5 M ouabain in the root medium for 20 h increased stomatal opening and transpiration rate. On the other hand, stomatal closing was not affected by the presence of ouabain. These results suggested that Na+ might play a role in stomatal movements. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.