Identification of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] lines tolerant to soil salinity

Crop tolerance to salinity is of high importance due to the extent and the constant increase in salt-affected areas in arid and semi-arid regions. Pearl millet (Pennistum glaucum), generally considered as fairly tolerant to salinity, could be an alternative crop option for salt affected areas. To explore the genotypic variability of vegetative-stage salinity tolerance, 100 pearl millet lines from ICRISAT breeding programs were first screened in a pot culture containing Alfisol with 250 mM NaCl solution as basal application. Subsequently, 31 lines including many parents of commercial hybrids, selected from the first trial were re-tested for confirmation of the initial salinity responses. Substantial variation for salinity tolerance was found on the basis of shoot biomass ratio (shoot biomass under salinity/ non-saline control) and 22 lines with a wide range of tolerance varying from highly tolerant to sensitive entries were identified. The performance of the genotypes was largely consistent across experiments. In a separate seed germination and seedling growth study, the seed germination was found to be adversely affected (more than 70% decrease) in more than half of the genotypes with 250 mM concentration of NaCl. The root growth ratio (root growth under salinity/control) as well as shoot growth ratio was measured at 6 DAS and this did not reflect the whole plant performance at 39 DAS. In general, the whole plant salinity tolerance was associated with reduced shoot N content, increased K⁺ and Na⁺ contents. The K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca⁺⁺/Na⁺ ratios were also positively related to the tolerance but not as closely as the Na⁺ content. Therefore, it is concluded that a large scope exists for improving salt tolerance in pearl millet and that shoot Na⁺ concentration could be considered as a potential non-destructive selection criterion for vegetative-stage screening. The usefulness of this criterion for salinity response with respect to grain and stover yield remains to be investigated.     

Screening sorghum genotypes for salinity tolerant biomass production

Genetic improvement of salt tolerance is of high importance due to the extent and the constant increase in salt affected areas. Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has been considered relatively more salt tolerant than maize and has the potential as a grain and fodder crop for salt affected areas. One hundred sorghum genotypes were screened for salinity tolerance in pots containing Alfisol and initially irrigated with a 250-mM NaCl solution in a randomized block design with three replications. Subsequently 46 selected genotypes were assessed in a second trial to confirm their responses to salinity. Substantial variation in shoot biomass ratio was identified among the genotypes. The performance of genotypes was consistent across experiments. Seven salinity tolerant and ten salinity sensitive genotypes are reported. Relative shoot lengths of seedlings were genetically correlated to the shoot biomass ratios at all stages of sampling though the relationships were not close enough to use the trait as a selection criterion. In general, the whole-plant tolerance to salinity resulted in reduced shoot Na⁺ concentration. The K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios were also positively related to tolerance but with a lesser r ². Therefore, it is concluded that genotypic diversity exists for salt tolerance biomass production and that Na⁺ exclusion from the shoot may be a major mechanism involved in that tolerance.     

Maize Genotypes Differing in Salt Resistance Vary in Jasmonic Acid Accumulation During the First Phase of Salt Stress

Plant hormones are considered to play an important role in plant adaptation to drought and salt stress. The objective of the study was to investigate the changes in endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) in relation to differences in the salt resistance of maize genotypes. Two maize genotypes (SR 03 and Across 8023) were compared for changes in water relations, growth and tissue JA levels in response to 100 mm NaCl. Salt stress significantly reduced the shoot growth of both genotypes; however, SR 03 exhibited significantly less reduction in relative shoot fresh weight than Across 8023. Both genotypes showed an identical response to salt stress regarding plant water relations; therefore, genotypic differences in the salt resistance could not be attributed to changes in shoot turgor and these results were further confirmed by the response of both genotypes under equiosmotic stress (?0.49 MPa) of either 100 mm NaCl or PEG‐6000. GC‐MS/MS analysis showed that salt stress did not alter shoot JA levels of both genotypes, however significantly increased the root JA levels of Across 8023. In contrast, root JA levels of salt‐resistant SR 03 did not change by salt stress. Increase in root JA levels in response to stress treatments does not coincide with the growth inhibition of shoot in Across 8023. In contrast, both PEG and NaCl did not change the JA concentrations in both root and shoot tissues of SR 03. Growth assays with maize seedlings showed that JA supply in root medium inhibits shoot extension growth and both maize genotypes were sensitive to the inhibitory effects of JA. These results suggest that maize genotypes differ in JA accumulation during the first phase of salt stress and JA may indirectly be involved in leaf growth inhibition of the salt‐sensitive genotype. In addition, our results also showed that treatment of salt‐stressed plants with exogenous JA improved the Na⁺ exclusion by decreasing the Na⁺ uptake at the root surface.     

Identification and Characterization of Salt Tolerance of Wheat Germplasm Using a Multivariable Screening Approach

Salinity is one of the major limitations to wheat production worldwide. This study was designed to evaluate the level of genetic variation among 150 internationally derived wheat genotypes for salinity tolerance at germination, seedling and adult plant stages, with the aim of identifying new genetic resources with desirable adaptation characteristics for breeding programmes and further genetic studies. In all the growth stages, genotype and salt treatment effects were observed. Salt stress caused 33 %, 51 % and 82 % reductions in germination vigor, seedling shoot dry matter and seed grain yield, respectively. The rate of root and shoot water loss due to salt stress exhibited significant negative correlation with shoot K⁺, but not with shoot Na⁺ and shoot K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. The genotypes showed a wide spectrum of response to salt stress across the growth stages; however, four genotypes, Altay2000, 14IWWYTIR‐19 and UZ‐11CWA‐8 (tolerant) and Bobur (sensitive), exhibited consistent responses to salinity across the three growth stages. The tolerant genotypes possessed better ability to maintain stable osmotic potential, low Na⁺ accumulation, higher shoot K⁺ concentrations, higher rates of PSII activity, maximal photochemical efficiency and lower non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), resulting in the significantly higher dry matter production observed under salt stress. The identified genotypes could be used as parents in breeding for new varieties with improved salt tolerance as well as in further genetic studies to uncover the genetic mechanisms governing salt stress response in wheat.     

Unequal salt distribution in the root zone increases growth and yield of cotton

Soil salinity is often heterogeneous, yet plant response to unequal salt distribution (USD) in the root zone is seldom studied in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Our objective was to evaluate the effects of USD on growth and yield, as well as its potential application for increasing cotton production. To achieve this objective, greenhouse and field experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, potted cotton plants were grown in a split-root system in the greenhouse. Each root half was irrigated with either the same or two concentrations of NaCl. Plant biomass, leaf chlorophyll (Chl), photosynthesis (Pn) and transpiration (Tr), Na⁺ and K⁺ accumulation, as well as biological and economic yields were determined. In the second experiment, plants were grown in furrow-beds in saline fields with those grown on flat beds as controls. Root-zone salinity, yield and yield components and earliness (the percentage of the first two harvests to total harvests) were monitored. When the entire root system was exposed to the same concentration of NaCl, shoot dry weight, leaf area, plant biomass, leaf Chl, Pn and Tr were markedly reduced relative to the NaCl-free control at 2 weeks after salinity stress (WAS). Significant reductions in biological (23.6–73.8%) and economic yields (38.1–79.7%) were noticed at harvest. However, when only half of the root system was exposed to low-salinity, the inhibition effect of salinity on growth and yield was significantly reduced. Plant biomass and seed cotton yield were increased by 13 and 23.9% with 50/150 mM/mM NaCl, 40 and 44.5% with 100/300 mM/mM NaCl, and 85.7 and 127.8% with 100/500 mM/mM NaCl relative to their respective equal salt distribution (ESD) controls (100/100, 200/200, and 300/300). Unequal salt distribution also decreased concentrations of Na⁺ and increased leaf K⁺ and Chl content, K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, Pn and Tr, compared with ESD. Furrow-bed seeding induced unequal distribution of salts in the surface soil during the field experiment. Under furrow planting, soil salinity was much higher, but soil osmotic potential was much lower on the ridged part than the furrows. Yield and earliness were increased 20.8 and 5.1% by furrow seeding relative to flat seeding. These enhancements were mainly attributed to unequal distribution of salts in the root zone. Thus, specific cultural practices that induce unequal salt distribution such as furrow-bed seeding can be used to improve cotton production in saline fields.     

Growth Properties and Ion Distribution in Different Tissues of Bread Wheat Genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) Differing in Salt Tolerance

Four bread wheat genotypes differing in salt tolerance were selected to evaluate ion distribution and growth responses with increasing salinity. Salinity was applied when the leaf 4 was fully expanded. Sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺) concentrations and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in different tissues including root, leaf‐3 blade, flag leaf sheath and flag leaf blade at three salinity levels (0, 100 and 200 mm NaCl), and also the effects of salinity on growth rate, shoot biomass and grain yield were evaluated. Salt‐tolerant genotypes (Karchia‐65 and Roshan) showed higher growth rate, grain yield and shoot biomass than salt‐sensitive ones (Qods and Shiraz). Growth rate was reduced severely in the first period (1–10 days) after salt commencements. It seems after 20 days, the major effect of salinity on shoot biomass and grain yield was due to the osmotic effect of salt, not due to Na⁺‐specific effects within the plant. Grain yield loss in salt‐tolerant genotypes was due to the decline in grain size, but the grain yield loss in salt‐sensitive ones was due to decline in grain number. Salt‐tolerant genotypes sequestered higher amounts of Na⁺ concentration in root and flag leaf sheath and maintained lower Na⁺ concentration with higher K⁺/Na⁺ ratios in flag leaf blade. This ion partitioning may be contributing to the improved salt tolerance of genotypes.     

Using Growth and Ionic Contents of Wheat Seedlings as Rapid Screening Tool for Salt Tolerance

High germination percentage with vigorous early growth is preferred for harvesting good wheat stand under saline soils. Therefore, an attempt for rapid screening of wheat genotypes for salt tolerance was made in this study. Eleven wheat genotypes including salt tolerant check Kiran-95were subjected to salinity (120 and 160 mMNaCl) along with non-saline control. Results showed a gradual decrease in seed germination and restricted seedling growth in tested wheat genotypes in response to increasing NaCl concentration in nutrient solution. Among the genotypes, NIA-AS-14-6 and NIA-AS-14-7 exhibited more sensitivity towards the salt stress at the germination stage but NIA-AS-14-6 performed quite satisfactorily later on at the seedling stage. Wheat genotypes NIA-AS-14-2, NIA-AS-14-4, NIA-AS-14-5, NIA-AS-14-10, and Kiran-95 showed better performance in term of root-shoot length, plant biomasses (fresh and dry), K⁺:Na⁺ ratio with least Na⁺ content, and high accumulation of K⁺ at higher levels of NaCl stress. On the basis of overall results, the categorization of genotypes was carried out as sensitive, moderately tolerant, and tolerant. Wheat genotypes NIA-AS-14-2, NIA-AS-14-4, NIA-AS-14-5, NIA-AS-14-10, and Kiran-95 grouped as tolerant, moderately salt tolerant group comprised of NIA-AS-14-1, NIA-AS-14-3, NIA-AS-14-6, and NIA-AS-14-8, whereas, NIA-AS-14-7 and NIA-AS-14-9 were found sensitive to salt stress. Principal component analysis revealed that components I and II contributed 70 and 16.5%, respectively. All growth parameters are associated with each other except RDW. In addition to growth traits, low Na⁺ and improved K⁺ content with better K⁺:Na⁺ ratio may be used for screening of salt tolerance in wheat as potential physiological criteria.     

Genetic variation in salt tolerance at the seedling stage in an interspecific backcross inbred line population of cultivated tetraploid cotton

Soil salinity reduces cotton growth, yield, and fiber quality and has become a serious problem in the arid southwestern region of the Unites States. Development and planting of salt-tolerant cultivars could ameliorate the deleterious effects. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation of salt tolerance and identify salt tolerant genotypes in a backcross inbred line (BIL) population of 142 lines from a cross of Upland (Gossypium hirsutum) × Pima cotton (G. barbadense) at the seedling growth stage. As compared with the non-saline (control) conditions, seedlings under the salinity stress (200 mM NaCl) showed a significant reduction in all the plant growth characteristics measured, as expected. Even though the two parents did not differ in salt response as measured by percent reduction, significant genotype variations in the BIL population were detected for all traits except for leaf number. Based on percent reduction of the traits measured, several BILs were more salt tolerant than both parents. The results indicate that transgressive segregation occurred during the process of backcrossing and selfing even though both parents were not salt tolerant during seedling growth. Coefficients of correlation between all the traits were significantly positive, indicating an association between the traits measured. The estimates of broad-sense heritability were 0.69, 0.46, 0.47, 0.43, and 0.49 for plant height, fresh weight of shoot and root, and dry weight of shoot and root, respectively, indicating that salt tolerance during cotton seedling growth is moderately heritable and environmental variation plays an equally important role. The overall results demonstrate that backcrossing followed by repeated self-pollination is a successful strategy to enhance salt tolerance at the seedling stage by transferring genetic factors from Pima to Upland cotton.     

抗虫棉不同类型品种苗期耐盐理化特性差异研究

 为揭示不同基因型抗虫棉耐盐性差异的生理机制,指导抗虫棉耐盐品种鉴选和盐碱地棉花生产,以耐盐性差异显著的两类转Bt基因抗虫棉品种——耐盐性强的鲁K536、鲁棉研18优选系,耐盐性弱的新棉33B优选系、鲁K1258——为试验材料,利用不同盐分含量砂培与土培试验相结合,比较研究它们苗期的主要理化指标变化。结果表明,在NaCl胁迫下,耐盐性强的品种苗期叶片内的K⁺含量显著高于耐盐性弱的品种,Na⁺含量显著低于耐盐性弱的品种,丙二醛含量也显著低于耐盐性弱的品种,而游离脯氨酸、可溶性糖、类胡萝卜素含量均显著高于耐盐性弱的品种。耐盐性强的品种棉苗的过氧化物酶活性、叶绿素a、b和a+b含量以及净光合速率明显高于耐盐性弱的品种。表明棉花的耐盐性强弱因基因型而异,基因型间的耐盐性差异与丙二醛、脯氨酸、可溶性糖、类胡萝卜素含量和保护酶活性以及盐离子在叶片中累积量的差异有关。     

Physiological processes associated with salinity tolerance in an alfalfa half‐sib family

We previously reported an alfalfa half‐sib family, HS‐B, with improved salt tolerance, compared to parental plants, P‐B. In this study, we conducted additional experiments to address potential physiological mechanisms that may contribute to salt tolerance in HS‐B. Vegetatively propagated HS‐B and P‐B plants were treated with a nutrient solution (control) or a nutrient solution containing NaCl (EC = 12 dS/m). Shoots and roots were harvested at various time points after treatment for quantification of proline, soluble sugar, and H₂O₂ using spectrophotometers. Subcellular localization and quantification of Na in roots were conducted using a Na⁺‐specific dye under a confocal microscope. HS‐B produced 86 and 89% greater shoot and root dry biomass, respectively, compared to parental plants, P‐B, under salinity in the greenhouse. Under saline conditions the HS‐B shoots accumulated 115% and roots 55% more soluble sugars than P‐B counterparts. The non‐saline HS‐B shoots, however, showed 72% less soluble sugars than the non‐saline P‐B plants. Under saline conditions HS‐B accumulated 39% less proline in shoots, while roots accumulated 56% more proline, compared to their P‐B parents. HS‐B plants also showed a greater reduction of stomatal conductance under mild saline stress. HS‐B shoots and roots contained 3–4 times less reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂) after salt treatment compared to P‐B plants. Sodium localization and distribution analysis using Na⁺‐specific dye revealed HS‐B plants accumulated 88% and 48% less Na⁺ in stele and xylem vessels compared to P‐B. The study provides insights into the potential mechanisms that may contribute to salt tolerance in HS‐B: maintaining RWC by accumulating soluble sugars while reducing transpiration, maintaining healthy status by reducing oxidative stresses, and preventing salt toxicity by reducing accumulation of Na⁺ inside root cells and xylem.     

Identification of QTLs associated with salinity tolerance at late growth stage in barley

Salinity is a major abiotic stress to barley (Hordum vulgare L.) growth and yield. In the current study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for yield and physiological components at the late growth stage under salt stress and non-stress environments were determined in barley using a double haploid population derived from a cross between CM72 (salt-tolerant) and Gairdner (salt-sensitive). A total of 30 QTLs for 10 traits, including tiller numbers (TN), plant height, spikes per line (SPL), spikes per plant (SPP), dry weight per plant, grains per plant, grain yield, shoot Na⁺ (NA) and K⁺ concentraitions (K) in shoot, and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio (NAK), were detected, with 17 and 13 QTLs under non-stress and salt stress, respectively. The phenotypic variation explained by individual QTL ranged from 3.25 to 29.81%. QTL flanked by markers bPb-1278 and bPb-8437 on chromosomes 4H was associated with TN, SPL, and SPP under salt stress. This locus may be useful in the breeding program of marker-assisted selection for improving salt tolerance of barley. However, QTLs associated with NA, K, and NAK differed greatly between non-stress and salt stress environments. It may be suggested that only the QTLs detected under salt stress are really associated with salt tolerance in barley. D. Xue and Y. Huang contributed equally to the article.     

Na+ Retention in the Root is a Key Adaptive Mechanism to Low and High Salinity in the Glycophyte,Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Portulacaceae)

Talinum paniculatum is an important leafy vegetable and medicinal plant, used in many parts of South America, Africa and Asia. Its adaptation to abiotic stress has received little attention and therefore worthy of interest, especially as environmental conditions are rendering arable lands increasingly unfavourable for agriculture. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the influence of salt stress on the vegetative growth of the plant by subjecting seedlings to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mm NaCl stress for 10 days. The dry weight, ion concentrations, relative water content, oxidative damage, proline, osmotic potential and some antioxidants were determined. The plants were found to retain Na⁺ mainly in the root, with less affected leaf K⁺ concentration, and consequently very low shoot Na⁺/K⁺ ratios (<0.2) under all the stress treatments. The proline content significantly increased under the 100–300 mm treatments (18‐ to 244‐fold), with a corresponding significant reduction in osmotic potential and hence high osmotic adjustment. The antioxidant enzyme activities and non‐enzyme antioxidants showed significant increase only under the highest salinity. Taken together, these results suggest that shoot Na⁺ exclusion is characteristic of this plant and is mainly responsible for its adaptation to low salinity.     

Mapping QTLs for salt tolerance with additive,epistatic and QTL × treatment interaction effects at seedling stage in wheat

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for salt tolerance with additive, epistatic and QTL × treatment interaction effects at seedling stage in wheat were identified. A set of 131 recombinant inbred lines derived from cross Chuan 35050 × Shannong 483 were evaluated under salt stress and normal conditions. Wide variation was found for all studied traits. A total of 18 additive and 16 epistatic QTLs were detected, among which five and 11 were with significant QTL × treatment effects. Ten QTL clusters were identified, and each may represent a single gene or closely linked genes. The locus controlling shoot K⁺/Na⁺ concentration ratio and shoot Na⁺ concentration on chromosome 5A may be identical to Nax2. The interval Xgwm6‐Xgwm538 on chromosome 4B for total dry weight was also identified in a previous study, both near the marker Xgwm6. The marker Xgwm6 may be useful for marker‐assisted selection. Six pairs of homoeologous QTLs were detected, showing synteny among the A, B and D genomes. These results facilitate understanding the mechanisms and the genetic basis of salt tolerance in wheat.     

大豆苗期耐盐性的简便鉴定方法

盐胁迫是影响大豆产量的重要非生物胁迫因素,筛选耐盐种质资源对培育耐盐大豆品种具有重要的意义。本研究利用4个耐盐品种和4个盐敏感品种进行苗期耐盐性鉴定,以蛭石为培养基质,在大豆真叶展开时,分别用100、200和250 mmol L^–1的NaCl溶液处理,每2 d浇一次盐溶液,每天测定大豆真叶SPAD值。盐处理8 d后,分别取各品种的根、茎、叶,用原子吸收光谱仪测定其Na⁺含量。结果表明,用200 mmol L^–1 NaCl处理的耐盐品种和盐敏感品种表型差异明显,但叶片Na⁺含量差异不显著;用250 mmol L^–1 NaCl处理后,表型差异明显且叶片Na⁺含量差异显著。200 mmol L^–1和250 mmol L^–1 NaCl处理下叶片失绿明显,盐敏感品种叶片积累的Na⁺含量与SPAD值极显著负相关。本研究建立了一种以蛭石为基质,用200 mmol L^–1或250 mmol L^–1 NaCl处理,8 d即可进行大豆苗期耐盐性鉴定的简便方法,为大豆种质资源苗期耐盐性的大规模鉴定及耐盐品种选择和耐盐机理的研究提供了方法。     

Genetic variation in root development responses to salt stresses of quinoa

Soil salinity has become a serious environmental abiotic stress limiting crop productivity and quality. The root system is the first organ sensing the changes in salinity. Root development under elevated salinity is therefore an important indicator for saline tolerance in plants. Previous studies focused on varietal differences in morphological traits of quinoa under saline stresses; however, variation in root development responses to salinity remains largely unknown. To understand the genetic variation in root development responses to salt stress of quinoa, we conducted a preliminary screening for salinity response at two salinity levels of a diverse set of 52 quinoa genotypes and microsatellite markers were used to link molecular variation to that in root development responses to salt stresses of represented genotypes. The frequency distribution of saline tolerance index showed continuous variation in the quinoa collection. Cluster analysis of salinity responses divided the 52 quinoa genotypes into six major groups. Based on these results, six genotypes representative of groups I to VI including Black quinoa, 2-Want, Atlas, Riobamba, NL-6 and Sayaña, respectively, were selected to evaluate root development under four saline stress levels: 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. Contrasts in root development responses to saline stress levels were observed in the six genotypes. At 100 mM NaCl, significant differences were not observed in root length development (RLD) and root surface development (RSAD) of most genotypes except Black quinoa; a significant reduction was observed in this genotype as compared to controls. At 200 mM NaCl, significant reduction was detected in RLD and RSAD in all genotypes showing this as the best concentration to discriminate among genotypes. The strongest inhibition of root development was found for all genotypes at 300 mM NaCl as compared to lower saline levels. Among genotypes, Atlas of group III shows as a saline-tolerant genotype confirming previous reports. Variation in root responses to salinity stresses is also discussed in relation to climate conditions of origins of the genotypes and reveal interesting guidelines for further studies exploring the mechanisms behind this aspect of saline adaptation.     

Responses of Some Newly Developed Salt-tolerant Genotypes of Spring Wheat to Salt Stress: 1. Yield Components and Ion Distribution

The degree of salt tolerance of two newly developed genotypes of spring wheat, S24 and S36 was assessed with respect to their parents, LU26S (from Pakistan) and Kharchia (from India). These four lines along with a salt-tolerant genotype SARC-1 and two salt-sensitive cvs Potohar and Yecora Rojo were subjected to salinized sand culture containing 0, 125 or 250 mol m^?3 NaCl in full strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. S24 produced significantly greater grain yield and had greater 1000 seed weight and number of tillers per plant than those of the other cultivars /lines. S36 was not significantly different from its parents in seed yield and yield components. SARC-1 was the second highest in grain yield of all cultivars/lines, but it did not differ significantly from LU26S and Kharchia in 1000 seed weight and number of tillers per plant. The greater degree of salt tolerance of S24 could be related to its lower accumulation of Na⁺ in the leaves and maintenance of higher leaf K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivity as compared to its parents. S36, which was as good as its parents in growth, also had lower Na⁺ and higher K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivity in the leaves at the highest salt level than those in its parents. SARC-1 did not differ from LU26S and Kharchia in ionic content or K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivities of both leaves and roots. Both the salt-sensitive cultivars, Potohar and Yecora Rojo, had significantly greater leaf Na⁺ and Cl^? concentrations and lower leaf K/Na ratios and K versus Na selectivities than all the salt-tolerant lines examined in this study. From this study it is evident that improvement in salt tolerance of spring wheat is possible through selection and breeding, and pattern of ion accumulation is not consistent among the salt-tolerant genotypes in relation to their degree of salt tolerance.     

Improvement of Salt Tolerance in Maize by Selection and Breeding

Genetic variation for NaCl tolerance at the vegetative stage was assessed in nutrient solution culture in maize (Zea mays L.). Shoot growth, and plant fresh and dry weight of the two cultivars, Akbar and Sadat were severely reduced after three weeks growth in 120, 150, and ISO mol m^?3 NaCl. There was however considerable variability between seedlings. Ten-thousands seeds of cv. Akbar were therefore screened for shoot growth at 180 mol m^?3 NaCl after four weeks growth in sand culture. A selection intensity of 0.42 % was achieved. Eighteen selected plants were polycrossed for estimation of narrow-sense heritability based on female parent-progeny regression. A narrow-sense heritability estimate of 0.54 was obtained. The progeny of the salt-tolerant selection line and selfed progeny plants of the unselccted control lines of cvs Akbar and Sadat were grown for six weeks in 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 mol m^?3 NaCl in sand culture. The tolerant line produced significantly greater fresh and dry biomass and had greater shoot length than the unselected cv. Akbar, but the selection line derived from cv. Akbar was equal to the salt tolerant cv. Sadat in all the growth parameters measured. These data suggest that in maize, improvement in salt tolerance could be obtained through further cycles of selection and breeding.     

Root Nitrogen Remobilization and Ion Status of Two Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Cultivars in Response to Salinity Stress

In a pot experiment the responses of two alfalfa cultivars differing in salt tolerance were evaluated in terms of root nitrogen remobilization rates (RNRR) and their relationship with the ionic status of the plants. A split‐plot design with factorial treatments in three replications was used. Three levels of salinity stress with electrical conductivities (EC_s) of 1.2, 7 and 12 ds m^?1 were established in irrigation water by using tap water with and without NaCl. The average data taken from plant materials at three defoliations were used for statistical analysis. Each time, plant materials were harvested at the 10 % flowering stage and then 10 days later. From the results observed, it was found that alfalfa shoot growth is highly dependent on RNRR under salinity stress. However, the total N reserves within the roots do not appear to be a limiting factor. The high positive correlation coefficient between shoot K⁺/Na⁺ and RNRR (r = 0.77; P = 0.01) indicates that lower demands for N because of diminished metabolic activities within the shoot sink may have reduced the rates of root N utilization. Unlike in some other species, the shoot K⁺ concentration and contents of alfalfa plants were significantly reduced by increasing salt stress. However, a relatively suitable K⁺/Na⁺ ratio of 7.1 is maintained in the shoots at the second level of salinity, as lowering the rates of salt induced an increase in Na⁺ uptake (Na exclusion). The salt tolerance recognized in the Bami cultivar may be attributed to the 339 % increase in its selectivity rates of K⁺ over Na⁺ in ion transport from the soil to the shoots, as the shoot Na⁺ content did not increase with increasing salt levels.     

Variation for tolerance to high concentration of ferrous iron (Fe<Superscript>2+</Superscript>) in Australian hexaploid wheat

High concentration of reduced iron (Fe²⁺) in waterlogged acid soils is a constraint for growing wheat in high rainfall (waterlogged-prone) areas of Western Australia. Growing crop genotypes tolerant to high Fe²⁺ concentrations may be desirable in such situations, but there is no knowledge about the extent of variability in Fe²⁺ tolerance in the wheat germplasm. A bioassay for tolerance to high concentrations of iron in wheat was developed and optimised using Siete Cerros (Fe-tolerant) and BH1146 (Fe-intolerant) as control genotypes and a range of FeSO₄ concentrations (36, 313, 625, 1250, 1875, 2500 and 3125 μM Fe²⁺) in nutrient solution in a controlled-temperature environment. Increasing external concentration of iron decreased both shoot and root dry weight, increased shoot iron concentration and intensified the development of toxicity symptoms to a greater degree in intolerant BH1146 as compared to tolerant Siete Cerros. Increased iron supply negatively affected uptake of Ca (r = −0.41) and Mg (r = −0.40). The tolerant genotype Siete Cerros showed an improved avoidance/exclusion of high external concentration of Fe²⁺ compared with intolerant BH1146. The genotypic discrimination based on relative root dry weight and the development of toxicity symptoms was most pronounced at 625 μM Fe²⁺. This concentration was chosen for screening of 20 bread wheat and one durum genotype chosen from a preliminary screening of 94 Australian wheat genotypes. A relatively narrow but significant variation (22–38%) in terms of relative root dry weight under Fe²⁺ toxicity was observed among Australian advanced breeding lines and varieties. The presence of genotypic variation for Fe²⁺ tolerance across and within the Australian breeding programs could be exploited in a deliberate selection process to enhance Fe²⁺ tolerance in wheat. Durum wheat (Arrivato) and several Australian wheat varieties and advanced lines in this study were as tolerant to Fe²⁺ toxicity as Siete Cerros, a variety representing common parentage of iron-tolerant genotypes.     

Comparison of shoot dry weight, Na+ content and δ13C values of ari-e and other semi-dwarf barley mutants under salt-stress

Four breviaristatum (short awned and semi-dwarf) barley mutants; ari-e.1, ari-e.119, ari-e.156 and ari-e.228 were compared with other semi-dwarf mutants; Golden Promise, Alf, Pallas and Diamant along with their non-mutant parents; Bonus, Foma, Maythorpe, Bomi and Valticky, for response to salt stress. Plants were exposed to hydroponic salt treatments (NaCl at 25 and 175 mol m^-3) for 4 weeks, after which response was measured in terms of shoot dry weight, sodium content and δ¹³C. In general ari-e mutants and Golden Promise had significantly lower Na⁺ contents than the other mutants. They also had significantly more negative δ¹³C values than the other lines in stressed (175 mol m^-3 NaCl) conditions. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) between shoot Na⁺ and δ¹³C values so that δ¹³C became less negative with increasing Na⁺ content. Shoot dry weights were compared to shoot Na⁺ and δ¹³C values. The ari-e and Golden Promise mutants showed less reduction in dry matter production in salt stress relative to the control treatment than all the other lines. The data suggest that ari-e mutants and Golden Promise are better adapted to salt stressed environments than the other lines examined. Tests for gibberellic acid sensitivity revealed that ari-e mutants and Golden Promise responded weakly to GA₃, while other dwarf mutants Pallas, Diamant and Alf along with their parents Bonus, Foma, Maythorpe, Valticky and Bomi were highly sensitive. Our results support previous findings that ari-e mutants and the GPert mutant are allelic. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.