Growth and Composition of Rye Seedlings Cultured in Sea Water

Two-week-old Balbo rye seedlings cultured in aerated sea water are similar in fresh weight and linear dimensions to plants grown in aerated fresh and brackish waters. No significant differences were found in dry matter, nitrogen, sulfur or phosphorus content but tissue chloride increased markedly. Most of the Cl uptake was retained as chloride, but a small quantity was water insoluble and possibly in organic combination. We suggest that rye is a good prospect for development of lines suitable for sea water agriculture.