Effects of Salinity and Water Stress on Growth and Macro Nutrients Concentration of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

In order to study the effects of salinity and water stress on growth and macronutrients concentration of pomegranate plant leaves, a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with 0, 30, and 60 mM of salinity levels of sodium chloride and calcium chloride (1:1) and three irrigation intervals (2, 4, and 6 days) with 3 replications on ‘Rabab’ and ‘Shishegap’ cultivars of pomegranate. The results of the shoot and root analysis indicated that the salinity and drought affected the concentration and distribution of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl^?), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and phosphorus (P⁺) in pomegranate leaves. Mineral concentrations of sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl^-), potassium (K⁺), in shoots and roots were increased with increasing salinity. Drought treatments increased the concentration of Cl^?, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺ in the shoot. Both cultivars showed significant differences in the concentrations of elements, however the most accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^? was observed in ‘Rabab,’ while the ‘Shishegap’ cultivar had the most absorption of K⁺. ‘Shishegap’ cultivar showed higher tolerance to salinity than ‘Rabab’ through maintaining the vegetative growth and lower chloride transport to the shoot, and improvement of potassium transport to shoot.     

Genetic variation of salinity tolerance in Chinese natural bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) germplasm resources

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) is a widely used turfgrass in tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate regions in the world. It is a salinity-tolerant plant, but much genetic variation exists among its genotypes. Genetic diversity has been shown to exist from a morphologic level to a molecular level among Chinese natural bermudagrass germplasm resources; however, the extent of variation in their salinity tolerance has remained unclear. We conducted greenhouse hydroponic and sand culture experiments to evaluate the variation in salinity tolerance of natural bermudagrass germplasm resources obtained from their main areas of distribution in China and treated at a 33 dS m^?1 salinity level for three weeks. Compared with non-saline controls, salinity stress significantly decreased shoot clipping weight (46.5% and 44.2%) and increased leaf firing (41.1% and 37.6%) in hydroponic and sand culture experiments, respectively, across all genotypes. However, significant genetic variations in relative leaf firing percentage (RLF) and relative shoot weight (RSW) were found among genotypes in both experiments, and their coefficients of variation ranged from 25.5% to 41.6%, indicating that considerable variation exists in the salinity tolerance of Chinese natural bermudagrass germplasm resources. Shoot Na⁺ concentrations increased under salinity stress for all genotypes in both experiments. However, significant genetic variations were also found in shoot Na⁺ concentrations. Salinity tolerance in bermudagrass genotypes was found to be significantly negatively correlated with shoot Na⁺ concentrations in both experiments. Using a cluster analysis of RLF and RSW data, all genotypes were classified into four groups with different salinity tolerances. The results of our evaluation indicate that there is much potential for improving salinity tolerance among Chinese natural bermudagrass cultivars.     

Response of Digitalis purpurea plants to temporary salinity

Abstract

The effect of two different levels of salinity upon adult plants of Digitalis purpurea has been studied. Seeds of D. purpurea plants were sown in pots of equal size and moistened with deionized water during one year. Afterwards, different treatments with NaCl were initiated, the concentrations being 100 mM and 200 mM NaCl in irrigation water during 63 days. Growth, measured as dry and fresh weight, and soluble protein contents, were lower in stressed plants than in control plants. Monovalent cation analysis showed that in leaves K⁺ plus Na⁺ (Total M) values did not change with the different treatments, but that in roots these values increased with the increasing salinity stress. On the other hand, proline levels were higher in stressed plants although the accumulation of this amino acid was not significant In leaves, Cl^? levels increased linearly with salinity degree, and the accumulation of this ion was faster than that of Na⁺, whereas in roots, the Cl^? level remained relatively low.

Total cardenolide levels in leaves and roots of the 100 mM NaCl plants were higher than those in 200 mM NaCl and control plants. We infer that moderate salinity conditions lead to raised cardenolide levels, principally in leaves, but the reason for this is not clear.     

Growth,ion accumulation,and lipid composition of two olive genotypes under salinity 1

Olive (Olea europaea L cv. Leccino and cv. Frantoio) plants grown in aeroponic cultivation system were supplied with Hoagland solutions containing 0 and 150 mM NaCl for 4 weeks. Sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl^‐), and potassium (K⁺) concentration was measued on 15‐day‐old leaves and K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity ratio was calculated. Plant water relations were estimated on the same leaves by measuring leaf bulk water and osmotic potentials, and by calculating leaf turgor pressure. Root and leaf tissues were also analysed for lipid composition, estimating free sterol (FS), glycolipid (GL) and phospholipd (PL) content. The salt‐sensitive Leccino accumulated more Na⁺ and Cl^‐ in the leaves and showed a lower K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity ratio than the salt‐tolerant Frantoio. The FS/PL ratio and the content of GL (namely mono‐galactosyldiglyceride, MGDG) in the roots were related to the salt accumulation in the shoot. Salinity‐induced changes on root lipids were more important in Frantoio than in Leccino, indicating the specific role of the roots in salt exclusion mechanisms. Conversely the effect of salinity on leaf lipid composition was more important in the leaves of the salt‐sensitive Leccino.     

Effect of salinity on growth,mineral composition,and water relations of grafted tomato plants

A greenhouse experiment was designed in order to evaluate growth, water relations, and nutrient concentrations of grafted and ungrafted tomato plants grown under varying levels of salinity (0, 30, or 60 mM NaCl). Two cultivars, ‘Fanny’ and ‘Goldmar’, were grafted onto AR‐9704, using the cleft‐grafting method. Growth of grafted ‘Fanny’ plants was higher than that of ungrafted plants. Growth of ‘Goldmar’ plants was not affected by salinity treatments or grafting, but it was slower than for ‘Fanny’. Leaf turgor showed no significant differences between grafted and ungrafted plants or between salinity levels. The stomatal conductance (G_s) was higher for grafted than for ungrafted plants, and salinity decreased it significantly and progressively in both grafted and ungrafted plants and in both varieties. The concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^– were significantly higher in ungrafted than in grafted ‘Fanny’ plants. ‘Fanny’ was more tolerant when grafted, probably due to reduced accumulation of Na⁺ and/or Cl^– in the shoot.     

GROWTH,YIELD, AND ION RELATIONS OF STRAWBERRY IN RESPONSE TO IRRIGATION WITH CHLORIDE-DOMINATED WATERS

Strawberry is listed as the most salt sensitive fruit crop in comprehensive salt tolerance data bases. Recently, concerns have arisen regarding declining quality of irrigation waters available to coastal strawberry growers in southern and central California. Over time, the waters have become more saline, with increasing sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?). Due to the apparent extreme Cl^? sensitivity of strawberry, the rising Cl^? levels in the irrigation waters are of particular importance. In order to establish the specific ion causing yield reduction in strawberry, cultivars ‘Ventana’ and ‘Camarosa’ were grown in twenty-four outdoor sand tanks at the ARS-USDA U. S. Salinity Laboratory in Riverside, CA and irrigated with waters containing a complete nutrient solution plus Cl^? salts of calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), Na⁺, and potassium (K⁺). Six salinity treatments were imposed with electric conductivities (EC) = 0.835, 1.05, 1.28, 1.48, 1.71, and 2.24 dS m^?1, and were replicated four times. Fresh and dry weights of ‘Camarosa’ shoots and roots were significantly higher than those of ‘Ventana’ at all salinity levels. Marketable yield of ‘Camarosa’ fruit decreased from 770 to 360 g/plant as salinity increased and was lower at all salinity levels than the yield from the less vigorous ‘Ventana’ plants. ‘Ventana’ berry yield decreased from 925 to 705 g/plant as salinity increased from 0.835 to 2.24 dS m^?1. Relative yield of ‘Camarosa’ decreased 43% for each unit increase in salinity once irrigation water salinity exceeded 0.80 dS m^?1. Relative ‘Ventana’ yield was unaffected by irrigation water salinity up to 1.71 dS m^?1, and thereafter, for each additional unit increase in salinity, yield was reduced 61%. Both cultivars appeared to possess an exclusion mechanism whereby Na⁺ was sequestered in the roots, and Na⁺ transport to blade, petiole and fruit tissues was limited. Chloride content of the plant organs increased as salinity increased to 2.24 dS m^?1 and substrate Cl increased from 0.1 to13 mmol_cL^?1. Chloride was highest in the roots, followed by the leaves, petioles and fruit. Based on plant ion relations and relative fruit yield, we determined that, over the range of salinity levels studied, specific ion toxicity exists with respect to Cl^?, rather than to Na⁺ ions, and, further, that the salt tolerance threshold is lower for ‘Camarosa’ than for ‘Ventana’.     

Nitrate Reduction and Nutrient Accumulation in Wheat Grown in Soil Salinized with Four Different Salts

ABSTRACT

The effect of salinization of soil with Na₂SO₄, CaCl₂, MgCl₂, and NaCl (70:35:10:23) on the biochemical characteristics of three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (‘LU-26S,’ ‘Sarsabaz’ and ‘Pasban-90’) was investigated under natural environmental conditions. Twenty-day-old seedlings of all three cultivars were subjected to three salinity treatments: 1.3 (control), 5.0, and 10 dSm^?1 for the entire life period of plants. After 120 d of seed sowing, plant biomass production decreased by 49% and 65%, respectively, in response to 5 and 10 dSm^?1 salinity levels. Addition of salts to growth medium also had a significant adverse effect on plant height. Increasing salinity treatments caused a great reduction in nitrate reductase activity (NRA) of the leaf. The inhibitory effect of salinity on nitrate reduction rate was more pronounced at the reproductive stage than at the vegetative stage of plant growth. Wheat cultivars ‘LU-26S’ and ‘Sarsabaz’ showed less reduction in NRA due to salinity compared with ‘Pasban-90.’ Ascending salinity levels significantly reduced potassium (K⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) accumulation in shoots, while the concentration of sodium (Na⁺) was increased. Salts of growth medium increased the shoot nitrogen (N) concentration, whereas phosphorous (P) concentration of shoots was significantly reduced due to salinity. Wheat cultivars ‘LU-26S’ and ‘Sarsabaz’ proved to be the salt-tolerant ones, producing greater biomass, showing less reduction in NRA, maintaining low sodium (Na⁺), and accumulating more K⁺ and Ca²⁺ in response to salinity. These two cultivars also showed less reduction in shoot K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca⁺/Na⁺ ratios than in ‘Pasban-90,’ particularly at the 10 dSm^?1 salinity level.     

Tomato and eggplant scions influence the effect of rootstock under Na2SO4 salinity

A short-term experiment was conducted to investigate whether the effect of rootstock on plant response to salinity depends on the solanaceous species used as scion. Tomato cv. ‘Ikram’ and eggplant cv. ‘Black Bell’ were grafted onto two tomato interspecific hybrids (‘Beaufort’ and ‘He-Man’). Plants were grown in an open soilless cultivation system and supplied with two nutrient solutions: non-saline control and a saline solution (adding 15 mM Na₂SO₄, 3.7 dS m^?1). Plant dry biomass production and partitioning were influenced by salinity, but its effect was depending on the rootstock/scion combination. ‘Beaufort’ eliminated the deleterious effect of salinity when tomato was used as scion, but reduced (?29.6%) the shoot biomass of eggplant. ‘He-Man’ had a different effect on scion growth under saline conditions: shoot biomass was less reduced in eggplant (?20.6%) than in tomato (?26.8%). Under salt stress, ‘Beaufort’ reduced the accumulation of Na⁺ in tomato leaves more than in eggplant, whereas no differences were observed between tomato and eggplant grafted onto ‘He-Man’. Stem Na⁺ accumulation followed a different pattern. The increase of Na⁺ in the stems was similar for tomato and eggplant grafted onto ‘Beaufort’, whereas stems of tomato accumulated more Na⁺ compared to eggplant grafted onto ‘He-Man’. The opposite response of the tested rootstocks to salt stress when the scion was either tomato or eggplant seems to be partially related to the capacity of the rootstock and scion to exclude Na⁺ from the shoot. However, the results of nutrient accumulation within plant tissues imply that other mechanisms in addition to ion competition are involved in the salt resistance of grafted plants.     

Adjustment of mineral ratio and composition in rice genotypes under varied salinity regimes

A study of the salinity effect on mineral content in rice genotypes differing in salt tolerance was conducted in a factorial Completely Randomized Design experiment. The results indicated that the genotypes developed differently by mutation conventional breeding. NS15 represented as salt-sensitive, Pokkali was included as an internationally salt-tolerant check and Iratom24 was moderately tolerant. The content of Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Cl^? followed an increasing pattern in roots and shoots of all the rice genotypes due to increasing salinity levels except Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in the root. However, the concentration of K⁺ showed more or less an increasing pattern in root and a decreasing pattern in shoot. The concentration of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ sharply increased with increasing the salinity levels in both the roots and shoots of NS15. The concentration of K⁺ sharply decreased in shoot and increased in the root of susceptible genotype NS15 with increasing salinity over 6 dS m^?1 salinity levels, where the transformation of K⁺ from root to shoot was disrupted by Na⁺. The Cl^? content sharply increased with increasing salinity in the root of NS15 as compared to shoot. The effect of different salinity levels on Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in the shoots of the selected rice genotypes sharply increased in susceptible genotype NS15 as compared to the other genotypes.     

Effect of salinity on growth,photosynthesis and mineral composition in leguminous plant Alhagi pseudoalhagi (Bieb.)

Leguminous plant Alhagi pseudoalhagi was subjected to 0 (control), 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCI treatments during a 30 d period to examine the mechanism of tolerance to salinity. Plant dry weight, net CO₂ assimilation rate, leaf stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and solute concentration in leaves, stems, and roots were determined. Total plant weight in the 50 mM treatment was 170% of that of the control after 10 d of treatment. Total plant weight was lower in the 100 and 200 mM treatments than in the control. The leaf CO₂ assimilation rate was approximately 150% of that of the control in the 50 mM treatment, but was not affected significantly by 100 mM of NaCI, while it was reduced to about 60% of that the control in the 200 mM treatment. Similarly stomatal conductance was consistent with the CO₂ assimilation rate regardless of the treatments. Intercellular CO₂ concentration was lower in the NaCI-treated plants than in the control. Changes in CO₂ assimilation rate due to salinity stress could be mainly associated with stomatal conductance and the carboxylation activity. Although the leaf Na⁺ concentration increased to 900 mmol kg^-1 dry weight in the 200 mM treatment compared to 20 mmol kg^-1 in the control, the plants did not die and continued to grow at such a high leaf Na⁺ concentration. Uptake and transportation rates of Na+, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺, and the accumulation of N were promoted by 50 mM NaCI. Na⁺ uptake rate continued to increase in response to external NaCI concentration. However, the uptake and transportation rates of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺ behaved differently under 100 and 200 mM salt stress. The results suggest that A. pseudoalhagi is markedly tolerant to salinity due mainly to its photosynthetic activity rather than to other physiological characteristics.     

Effect of Salinity on Growth of Twelve Cultivars of the United Arab Emirates Date Palm

To successfully use salt water for crop production and start a breeding program, more information is needed about the response of salt‐tolerant plants to saline environments. The objective of this experiment was to test the growth of 12 cultivars of the United Arab Emirates date palm seeds at four sodium chloride (NaCl) levels. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Optimal growth was found at control and 3000 ppm of NaCl. Relative growth rate (RGR), biomass, and number of leaves (NL) decreased significantly by increasing salinity. Increased NaCl leads to significant decreases in potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) contents of plants. The Na/K ratios were lower in shoots than in roots. ‘Lulu,’ ‘Fard,’ ‘Khnaizi,’ ‘Nabtat Safi,’ and ‘Razez’ cultivars showed greater RGR and biomasses, whereas ‘Khnaizi,’ ‘Mesally,’ and ‘Safri’ had greater Na/K ratios than others in the control indicating greater Na⁺ discriminations from plant parts.     

Response of Two Olive Cultivars to Salt Stress and Potassium Supplement

ABSTRACT

The effects of saline water containing 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), and 100 mM NaCl + 100 mM potassium (K) on photosynthesis, water relations, and ion and carbohydrate content of olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars ‘Koroneiki’ and ‘Mastoidis’ were studied on five-year-old trees. Salinity increased sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) in tissues of both cultivars, but more so in ‘Koroneiki’ than in ‘Mastoidis.’ Salt-toxicity symptoms were observed at 100 and 150 mM, but not in plants receiving extra K. In salt-stressed plants, leaf water potential declined, whereas turgor potential remained positive due to a rapid decrease in osmotic potential. Salinity increased mannitol content up to 41.3% in ‘Mastoidis’ and 15.8% in ‘Koroneiki’, but reduced starch content in leaves. Photosynthetic rates fell significantly with increasing salinity in both cultivars, but more so in ‘Koroneiki’ than in ‘Mastoidis’. Potassium supplements reduced the concentration of Na⁺ and increased the concentrations of K⁺ in leaves, but decreased photosynthesis.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS WHEAT AND BARLEY CULTIVARS

An experiment with factorial arrangement of treatments on a randomized complete block (RCB) design basis with three replications was conducted in a greenhouse during Spring 2010 to investigate changes in sodium ion (Na⁺), potassium ion (K⁺), Na⁺/K⁺ and to determine proline, protein content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of four wheat and four barley cultivars. Three salt levels {1, control (no salt), 7, and 13 dS m^?1 [2.5 and 5 g salt [sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) in 1:1 ratio] per kg of soil, respectively]} were used in this investigation. Salt stress treatments were applied 4 weeks after planting (at 2 leaf stage). Leaf samples were taken four weeks after imposition of salt treatment. The results showed that salinity caused an increased in proline and protein content, and SOD in all wheat and barley cultivars. The highest proline and protein content of barley and wheat cultivars at all salinity levels were observed in ‘Nimrooz’ and ‘Bam’ cultivars, respectively. At all salinity levels, wheat and barley cultivars ‘Kavir’ and ‘Nimrooz’, respectively, had the lowest Na⁺ content. Barley cultivar ‘Kavir’ and wheat cultivar ‘Bam’ had higher K⁺ and K⁺:Na⁺ ratios. This might be related to salt tolerance in these two cultivars. Wheat and barley cultivars showed differences with regard to proline, protein, and SOD content, Na⁺, K⁺, and K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, indicating existence of genetic diversity among the cultivars. These findings indicated that higher K⁺, K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, proline, protein, and SOD content could be the key factors, which offer advantage to barley over wheat for superior performance under saline conditions.     

Effect of nitrogen source and salinity level on salt accumulation of two chickpea genotypes

This study aimed at investigating mechanisms of salt tolerance and ionic relations of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars with different nitrogen (N) sources. Two resistant genotypes, ILC‐205 and ILC‐1919, were subjected to four levels of salinity (0.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 dS m^‐1). Nitrogen sources consisted of inoculation with two resistant Rhizobium strains, CP‐29 and CP‐32, mineral N additions, and no N application. Data was collected on root and shoot contents of sodium (Na⁺) chlorine, (Cl^‐,) and potassium (K⁺), and shoot to root Na⁺ratio, as well as shoot K⁺ to Na⁺ ratio. Salinity affected shoot Na⁺ and Cl^‐contents, but nodulating plants had higher shoot Na⁺ contents than plants supplied with mineral N. Shoot to root Na⁺ ratios were lower in the mineral N treatment than in nodulating treatments at 3.0 dS m^‐1, indicating that root compartmentalization and shoot exclusion were only possible at low salinities. Potassium levels of nodulating plant shoots were lower than those of non‐nodulating plants only at low salinities. N‐source significantly affected shoot K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, with nodulating plants having lower ratios than non‐nodulating plants, indicating that rhizobial infection or nodule formation may lead to salt entry curtailing the selective ability of chickpea roots.     

High K+ supply avoids Na+ toxicity and improves photosynthesis by allowing favorable K+ : Na+ ratios through the inhibition of Na+ uptake and transport to the shoots of Jatropha curcas plants

This study assessed the relationships between external K⁺ supply and K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios associated with Na⁺ toxicity in Jatropha curcas. Plants were exposed to increasing external K⁺ concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 mM), combined with 50 mM NaCl in a nutrient solution. Photosynthesis progressively increased as the external K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios increased up to 0.75. The increase of photosynthesis and plant dry matter correlated positively with K⁺ : Na⁺ in xylem and leaves. The transport rates of K⁺ and Na⁺ from roots to xylem and leaves were inversely correlated. These ions presented an antagonistic pattern of accumulation in all organs. Maximum rates of photosynthesis and plant growth occurred with leaf K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios that ranged from 1.0 to 2.0, indicating that this parameter in leaves might be a good indicator for a favorable K⁺ homeostasis under salinity conditions. The higher K⁺ affinity and selectivity compared with Na⁺ in all organs associated with higher xylem flux and transport to shoots are essential for maintaining adequate K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios at the whole‐plant level. These characteristics, combined with adequate K⁺ concentrations, allow J. curcas to sustain high rates of photosynthesis and growth even under toxic NaCl levels.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF THE HIGHLY-TOLERANT TOMATO CV. ‘PONCHO NEGRO’ TO SALINITY AND EXCESS BORON

The variety of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) called ‘Poncho Negro’ by farmers represents an important source of genetic resources of agricultural interest, because it has managed to thrive at levels of salinity and excess B that other varieties of the same species find impossible. This work was conducted under controlled growth conditions in a greenhouse, evaluating and obtaining plant material that served for physiological, chemical, and biochemical determinations. Stress conditions were supplied by irrigation, using different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl; 75 and 150 mM) and excess boron (B; 5 and 20 mg L^?1). The rate of net carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation, the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis and the relative water content (RWC) were measured. In addition, B, sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺), soluble sugars, and proline were quantified. The results suggest that ‘Poncho Negro’ accumulated Na⁺ mainly in the roots, partly limiting its entry into the aerial parts. In addition, it should be noted that the interaction of B and salinity reduced the movement of Na⁺ to the leaves. The ability of cv. ‘Poncho Negro’ to minimize leaf Na⁺ accumulation, accumulate more leaf B than control plants, and maintain its K⁺ level, when grown with an excess of B, possibly allowed the observed increase in the rate of photosynthesis. In addition, these tomato plants used proline and soluble sugars as osmo-regulators under high-B and saline conditions. Under all stress conditions studied, this variety of tomato was able to regulate its water content, with RWC values of approximately 86%.     

Effects of foliar application of methanol on some physiological characteristics of Lavandula stoechas L. under NaCl salinity conditions

In order to study the effects of foliar applications of methanol (0, 15, and 30%) and NaCl salinity (0, 50, and 100?mM) on some physiological characteristics of Lavandula stoechas L. plants, a pot experiment was carried out at the Research Greenhouse of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. Physiological characteristics (stem and leaf dry weights, total phenolic and flavonoids compounds, chlorophyll a and K⁺ contents, and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio) were significantly affected by the interaction effects of Methanol foliar application and salinity levels. The highest K⁺ content, K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, chl a and stem dry weight, belonged to NaCl 0?×?Methanol 30% and NaCl 50?×?Methanol 30%. For the leaves’ dry weight, the greatest data were recorded for NaCl 0?×?Methanol 30% and NaCl 0?×?methanol 15%. Methanol spray promoted the total phenolic content, especially at NaCl 50?×?methanol 30% and NaCl 100?×?methanol 15% and 30% and flavonoid content at NaCl 50?×?methanol 30%. Anthocyanin content, essential oil percent, and flower dry weight were affected by NaCl salinity levels, and the highest amount of anthocyanin was recorded for the control treatment. The highest data for Essential oil was attained by the NaCl 0 and 50?mM. The Na⁺ content was affected by methanol foliar application and the highest amount was obtained in the control treatment. Both foliar application levels and salinity levels influenced the flower dry weight. The highest amount of the flower dry weight was recorded at 30% methanol spray level and 0?mM NaCl treatments. The results reveal that methanol application had significant effects on the physiological characteristics of Lavandula plants growing under salinity stress condition.     

Effect of potassium on growth,water relations,and the inorganic and organic solute contents for two maize cultivars grown under saline conditions

Two cultivars ("Spirit”; and “Jubileo") of maize (Zea mays L.) were studied to compare their response to various levels of potassium (K⁺) (0.1, 1, and 6 mol/m³) and sodium chloride (NaCl) (0 and 50 mol/m³) in nutrient solutions with 16 h photoperiod, day/night temperature regime of 25/20°C, and a photon flux density of 380 nmol/m²/sec. ‘Spirit’ produced about 1.5 times more biomass than ‘Jubileo’ at 6 mol/m³ K⁺in the control treament, while at 0.1 mol/m³ K⁺ the growth of both cultivars was similar. Plant fresh weight was reduced by 20% in ‘Spirit’ and by 30% in ‘Jubileo’ with 50 mol/m³ NaCl and 6 mol/m³ K⁺. Growth reduction of maize plants by salinity was associated with an excessive accumulation of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^‐) rather than an effect on water relations. The higher salt tolerance of ‘Spirit’ can be related to its greater capacity to exclude Na⁺ and Cl^‐ from the leaves and to maintain a higher K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. Increasing the K⁺ supply in the rooting media did not improve growth reduction imposed by the 50 mol/m³ NaCl treatment. ‘Jubileo’ had a lower turgor potential than ‘Spirit’. High concentrations of Na⁺ in the leaves may help to maintain turgor, but cannot substitute for K⁺ to give adequate growth of maize. The accumulation in leaf tissue of inorganic ions was sufficient for osmotic adjustment in both cultivars and no single organic solute appears to be important in this process.     

RESPONSE OF LISIANTHUS TO IRRIGATION WITH SALINE WATER: ION RELATIONS

Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn. (lisianthus) is a moderately salt tolerant species that can be produced commercially under irrigation with saline wastewaters prevalent in two salt-affected areas of California. The objective of the present studies was to determine the effect of irrigation with saline waters of two different compositions on the ion accumulation and ion relations of lisianthus ‘Pure White’ and ‘Echo Blue’. The ionic composition of irrigation waters simulated the compositions typical of i) seawater dilutions (SWD) and ii) concentrations of Colorado River water (CCRW). Electrical conductivities (EC) of SWD and CCRW were between 2 and 12 dS · m^?1. Plants irrigated with CCRW were higher in Ca²⁺ compared to plants irrigated with SWD water. Calcium was also higher in ‘Pure White’ than in ‘Echo Blue’. Increasing EC of irrigation water caused a significant decrease in shoot and leaf Ca²⁺ concentration in ‘Echo Blue’, but had no effect on Ca²⁺ content of ‘Pure White’ shoots and leaves. Magnesium concentration in ‘Echo Blue’ was higher than in ‘Pure White’. Electrical conductivity did not significantly affect Mg²⁺ concentration of either cultivar, despite the increasingly higher external concentration. Potassium concentration of young and mature leaves of ‘Echo Blue’ increased as EC increased from 2 to 8 dS · m^?1, then decreased significantly once EC exceeded 8 dS · m^?1. Potassium concentration of ‘Pure White’ leaves decreased over the range of salinity treatments tested, suggesting that the reduced potassium ion (K⁺) activity at EC levels of 8 dS · m^?1, or less, that resulted in lower leaf?K⁺ in ‘Pure White’ did not cause a decrease in K⁺ uptake in ‘Echo Blue’. Increases in external Na⁺ caused a significant increase in Na⁺ in ‘Pure White’ leaves and these plants exhibited the best growth even when levels of Na⁺ were high enough to be considered detrimental for growth.     

Growth-related changes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown under salinity stress

The sensitivity of crop genotypes determines the level of growth reduction by salinity. Effect of salinity levels (7.5 and 15 dihydrate m^?1) using completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications per treatment were compared on germination, chlorophyll content, water potential, ionic sodium and potassium (Na⁺, K⁺) balance, and other growth-related parameters of six wheat genotypes for varietal differences under long-term salinity stress. Chlorophyll contents at flowering stage and yield aspects at maturity of all the wheat genotypes decreased with increasing salinity. The maximum Na⁺ concentration was observed at 7.5 and 15 dS m^?1 in Bhakhar and Saher-2000, respectively, while minimum Na⁺ concentration was observed for 9476. However, the maximum K⁺ concentration and water potential was noticed in 9476 at 7.5 dS m^?1. Careful selection of salt-tolerant genotypes for field crops is an important perspective especially in the developing countries facing salinity problem. Our results revealed that the wheat genotype 9476 performed best regarding growth and physiological parameters compared to other wheat genotypes.