Soil Plus Foliar Nitrogen Application increases Cotton Growth and Salinity Tolerance

Soil or foliar application of nitrogen (N) can increase plant growth and salinity tolerance in cotton, but a combination of both methods is seldom studied under salinity stress. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of soil application (S), foliar application (F), and a combination of both (S+F) with labeled nitrogen (¹⁵N) on cotton growth, N uptake and translocation under salinity stress (ECe = 12.5 dS m^?1). Plant biomass, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, leaf net photosynthetic (Pn) rate, levels of ¹⁵N and [Na⁺] and K⁺/ Na⁺ ratio in plant tissues were determined at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after N application (DAN). Results showed that soil or foliar nitrogen fertilization improved plant biomass, leaf area per plant and leaf photosynthesis, and a combination of soil- plus foliar-applied N was superior to either S or F alone under salinity stress. Although foliar application favored a rapid accumulation of leaf N and soil application a rapid accumulation of root N, S+F enhanced N accumulation in both leaf and root under salinity stress. The combined N application also maintained significantly greater [K⁺] and K⁺/Na⁺ than either soil or foliar application alone. Therefore, the improved plant growth and salinity tolerance under S+F relative to soil or foliar N application alone was attributed to the increased total uptake of N, balanced N concentrations in different tissues through enhanced uptake and accumulation in both leaves and roots, and higher ratio of K⁺/Na⁺.     

Consequences of sodium exclusion for the osmotic potential in the rhizosphere – Comparison of two maize cultivars differing in Na+ uptake

According to the biphasic model of growth response to salinity, growth is first reduced by a decrease in the soil osmotic potential (Ψ_o), i.e., growth reduction is an effect of salt outside rather than inside the plant, and genotypes differing in salt resistance respond identically in this first phase. However, if genotypes differ in Na⁺ uptake as it has been described for the two maize cultivars Pioneer 3906 and Across 8023, this should result in differences in Na⁺ concentrations in the rhizosphere soil solution and thus in the concentration of salt outside the plant. It was the aim of the present investigation to test this hypothesis and to investigate the effect of such potential differences in soil Ψ_o caused by Na⁺ exclusion on plant water relations. Sodium exclusion at the root surface of intact plants growing in soil was investigated by sampling soil solution from the rhizosphere of two maize cultivars (Across 8023, Pioneer 3906). Plants were grown in a model system, consisting of a root compartment separated from the bulk soil compartment by a nylon net (30 μm mesh size), which enabled independent measurements of the change of soil solution composition and soil water content with increasing distance from the root surface (nylon net). Across 8023 accumulated higher amounts of sodium in the shoot compared to the excluder (Pioneer 3906). The lower Na⁺ uptake in the excluder was partly compensated by higher K⁺ uptake. Pioneer 3906 not only excluded sodium from the shoot but also restricted sodium uptake more efficiently from roots relative to Across 8023. This was reflected by higher Na⁺ concentrations in the rhizosphere soil solution of the excluder 34 days after planting (DAP). The difference in Na⁺ concentration in rhizosphere soil solution between cultivars was neither due to differences in transpiration and thus in mass flow, nor due to differences in actual soil water content. As the lower Na⁺ uptake of the excluder (Pioneer 3906) was only partly compensated by increased uptake of K⁺, soil Ψ_o in the rhizosphere of the excluder was more negative compared to Across 8023. However, no significant negative effect of decreased soil Ψ_o on plant water relations (transpiration rate, leaf Ψ_o, leaf water potential, leaf area) could be detected. This may be explained by the fact that significant differences in soil Ψ_o between the two cultivars occurred only towards the end of the experiment (27 DAP, 34 DAP).     

Interactive Effects of Inoculated Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seedlings and Saline Soil

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Lvyuan4) seedlings were either noninoculated or inoculated with four bacteria to study the interactions of salinity in saline soil, cucumber, and bacteria. The seedlings were grown under controlled conditions in pots; the solutions of 100, 200, 400, and 600 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) and bacterial broth were added to the soils. Deionized water was used as control. There were nine treatments in the experiment. Each treatment contained three replications and each replication represented six plants. After 14 days of treatment, morphological characteristics, fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, malonaldehyde, proline, nutrient elements, and sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) contents in plants and soils were calculated. Soil salinity inhibited seedlings growth, but low concentration of NaCl promoted plant growth. Soil microbial biomass decreased in saline soils and increased in inoculated treatments. Bacteria had the role of promoting growth and protecting plants against salinity. Bacteria accelerated Na⁺ and Cl^? uptake markedly.     

Effects of salt stress on distribution of Na+ and some other cations in two soybean varieties differing in salt tolerance

In the course of investigations on the impact of salinity on mineral ion transport in differentially salt susceptible soybeans (“Lee” and “Jackson”) short-term experiments were conducted to elucidate the distribution pattern of Na⁺ and some other cations. The results showed that low salinity (7.5 mM NaCl) did not induce varietal differences in Na⁺ content during a 30 hrs uptake period. At 66.5 mM NaCl, however, the Na⁺ contents increased more in the leaves of the salt sensitive variety “Jackson” than in “Lee”. Both soybean varieties retained Na⁺ in the proximal root and stem. Furthermore, they extruded considerable amounts of Na⁺ from the roots to the medium. Increasing the level of salinity in the solution substantially reduced the Ca²⁺ uptake of both soybean varieties. In an experiment with the salt sensitive variety under constant salinity but increasing Ca²⁺ concentration in the medium, the plants showed a reduction in Na⁺ uptake and translocation to stem and leaves and an enhanced Ca²⁺ uptake and translocation to the shoots. It is suggested that the injury observed in “Jackson” after salt treatment is not only related to the insufficient control of Cl^? transport. At higher salinity levels the increasing accumulation of Na⁺ in the leaves and the varietally independant depression of Ca²⁺ uptake and translocation may enhance the development of leaf necrosis.     

Performance of some under‐explored crops under saline irrigation in a semiarid climate in Northwest India

Growing salt‐tolerant under‐explored crops utilizing saline ground water can provide for an economic use of abandoned semiarid lands. Field trials were conducted between 1999 and 2003 on a calcareous soil in a semiarid region of northwest India. Woody perennials were planted at the sill of furrows and irrigated with water of high salinity (EC 10–28 dS m⁻¹), low salinity (EC 5–9 dS m⁻¹) and alternately with these two waters. Woody species included Azadirachta indica, Cordia rothii, Salvadora persica, Jatropha curcas, J. gossipifolia, Ricinus communis, Catharanthus roseus, Adhatoda vasica and Aloe barbadensis. Most of these could be grown successfully but S. persica—a highly salt‐tolerant halophyte—though it produced huge biomass, could not yield mature fruit due to frost injury. The salinity build up in the soil was greater during low‐rainfall years, but a good rainfall year, e.g. 714 mm in 2001, helped to leach out the accumulated salts. The uptake of Na⁺ in plants was greater when irrigated with water of high salinity, while K⁺ accumulation was greater with water of low salinity. Na⁺ accumulation was higher in roots as compared to other parts except in Jatropha and Salvadora, while K⁺ accumulation was greater in leaves. There was a negative correlation between Na⁺ and K⁺ accumulation and a positive correlation between Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. Thus, saline water (ECiw 12 dS m⁻¹) can successfully be used for growing several under‐explored crops of high economic value. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of the response of ion distribution in the tissues and cells of the succulent plants Aloe vera and Salicornia europaea to saline stress

There exists a great variability among plant species regarding their sensitivity and resistance to high salinity in soil, and most often this variability is related with the ability of a particular plant species to regulate ion homeostasis and transport. In this study, we have investigated the effects of NaCl on growth rate, water status, and ion distribution in different cells and tissues of two succulent plants, Aloe vera and Salicornia europaea. Our results showed that the growth of A. vera seedlings was significantly decreased in response to salinity. However, the growth of S. europaea seedlings was greatly stimulated by high concentrations of NaCl. Under saline conditions, S. europaea seedlings maintained K⁺ and Ca²⁺ uptake in roots and showed a higher root‐to‐shoot flux of Na⁺ and Cl^– as compared to A. vera. Despite great accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^– in photosynthetically active shoot cells in S. europaea, its growth was enhanced, indicating S. europaea is capable of compartmentalizing salt ions in the vacuoles of shoot cells. Aloe vera seedlings, however, showed a low transport rate of Na⁺ and Cl^– to leaves and suppressed uptake of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ in roots during NaCl treatment. Our results also implicate that A. vera may be able to accumulate Na⁺ and Cl^– in the metabolically inactive aqueous cells in leaves and, as a result, the plant can survive and can maintain growth under saline conditions.     

Effect of potassium on uptake and translocation of sodium and potassium in Chinese cabbage under NaCl stress

To investigate the influence of potassium (K⁺) on the salinity tolerance of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis Rupr.) seedlings, the plants were cultured at three K⁺ levels (0, 5, or 10?mM), under normal (0?mM NaCl) and high-salt (100?mM NaCl) conditions. The results indicated that the dry weight of Chinese cabbage increased with the application of K⁺ under salt stress. Addition of K⁺ increased K⁺ concentrations and suppressed sodium (Na⁺) concentration, which eventually increased the K⁺/Na⁺ ratios in roots or shoots. Application of K⁺ enhanced the uptake of K⁺ and suppressed the uptake of Na⁺. Moreover, the ratios of shoot-K⁺/root-K⁺ increased considerably, but the ratios of shoot-Na⁺/root-Na⁺ decreased in response to K⁺ application. It was concluded that the application of K⁺ could enhance the salt stress tolerance in Chinese cabbage because more K⁺ than Na⁺ was absorbed and translocated from roots to shoots.     

Alleviation of Salt Stress in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) by Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of inoculation with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on eggplant growth, yield, and mineral content under salt stress [0, 25, and 50 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)]. The PGPR strains Xanthobacter autotrophicus BM13, Enterobacter aerogenes BM10, and Bacillus brevis FK2 were isolated from the salt-affected maize and kidney bean fields. The increase in salinity decreased the growth and yield and increased the sodium (Na⁺) uptake of eggplant. However, inoculation with PGPR strains reduced the negative effects at each level of salinity tested. The E. aerogenes strain was capable of promoting eggplant growth and yield when compared to an uninoculated control. The B. brevis was the most effective strain for reducing the negative effects of salinity, and its effects occurred through increasing the potassium (K⁺)/Na⁺ ratio and K⁺-Na⁺ selectivity in the eggplant shoots. Inoculation of the eggplant seedlings with PGPR could alleviate the negative effects of salt stress.     

Growth response and ion homeostasis in two bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) cultivars differing in salinity tolerance under salinity stress

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a salinity-tolerant turfgrass that has good use potential in the saline-alkali lands of warm regions. However, the systematic Na⁺ and K⁺ regulation mechanisms under salinity stress remain unclear at the whole plant level. Two bermudagrass cultivars differing in salinity tolerance were exposed to 0, 50, 100, 200, or 300 mM NaCl in a hydroponic system. Growth, absorption, transportation, and secretion of Na⁺ and K⁺, and gas exchange parameters were determined in both cultivars. K⁺ contents were decreased and Na⁺ contents and Na⁺/K⁺ ratios were increased in both bermudagrasses with increased salinity; however, lower Na⁺ content and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and more stable K⁺ content were found in the leaves of the salinity-tolerant ‘Yangjiang’ than the salinity-sensitive ‘Nanjing’. Higher Na⁺ contents in root cortical cells were found than in the stele cells of ‘Yangjiang’, but the opposite was observed in ‘Nanjing’. Lower Na⁺ contents and higher K⁺ contents were found in vessels for ‘Yangjiang’ than for ‘Nanjing’. Salinity stress increased the selective transport of K⁺ over Na⁺ from roots to leaves and the Na⁺-selective secretion via salt glands, which were stronger in ‘Yangjiang’ than ‘Nanjing’. Net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased in the two bermudagrasses with increased salinity; however, they were more stable in ‘Yangjiang’. The results suggested that bermudagrass could reduce Na⁺ accumulation and maintain K⁺ stability in leaves under salinity stress by restricting Na⁺ into vessels in roots, selectively transporting K⁺ over Na⁺ from roots to leaves, selectively secreting Na⁺ via leaf salt glands, and maintaining suitable stomatal conductance.     

不同白榆品系对滨海盐碱地的改良效果及盐分离子的分布与吸收

为揭示不同白榆(Ulmus pumila L.)品系对滨海盐碱地土壤盐分的改良作用及盐分离子在土壤-白榆系统中的分布与吸收特征,筛选适宜在滨海盐碱地造林的耐盐白榆品系,以中度盐渍化生境下4年生的6种白榆品系(1,5,28,30,46,105号)为试验材料,采用野外取样与室内测试相结合的方法,研究了Na+、K+、Ca2+、Mg2+等盐离子在土壤及白榆品系各器官(根、茎、叶)中的分布特征。结果表明:(1)白榆可降低滨海盐碱地土壤中盐离子及全盐含量,不同白榆品系较对照的土壤全盐含量降低了55.0%～63.1%,30号白榆降幅最大。(2)不同白榆品系将Na+、K+、Ca2+、Mg2+优先积累到叶中,且叶中维持较高的K+/Na+、Ca2+/Na+、Mg2+/Na+比值,不同白榆品系通过建立新的离子平衡以适应盐胁迫环境。(3)不同白榆品系的离子吸收选择性系数均为SK,NaSCa,NaSMg,Na,其对K+的吸收选择性大于对Ca2+、Mg2+吸收选择性;种内差异导致不同白榆品系对Na+、K+、Ca2+、Mg2+吸收选择能力不同,28号白榆根系对K+的吸收性最强,5号白榆根系对Ca2+、Mg2+的吸收性最强。     

Puccinellia tenuiflora Exhibits Stronger Selectivity for K+ over Na+ than Wheat

Abstract

The characteristics of selectivity for K⁺ over Na⁺ by the roots of the halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora were investigated in comparison with the glycophyte wheat (Triticum aestivum). Under various NaCl concentrations, the concentrations of K⁺ in the shoots of P. tenuiflora were 16–24% lower than those of wheat, whereas the concentrations of K⁺ in Puccinellia roots were 2.8–4.0 times higher than those of wheat. In 200 mM NaCl, the concentrations of Na⁺ in shoots of P. tenuiflora and wheat were similar under high K⁺ levels, but the concentrations of Na⁺ in wheat were 1.6 times higher than those in Puccinellia under low K⁺ levels. The concentrations of K⁺ in roots of P. tenuiflora were 1.5–2.0 times higher than those of wheat under low K⁺ levels. Formulas are given for calculating net selective absorption (SA) capacity and selective transport (ST) capacity by roots for K⁺ over Na⁺. We interpret SA as the net capacity of selectively absorbing K⁺ over Na⁺ by epidermal and cortical cells of whole plant roots into the root symplast. ST could reflect the net capacity of selection for K⁺ over Na⁺ transport from whole root stelar symplast to the xylem vessels. The lower ST value of P. tenuiflora might be the reason for accumulation of K⁺ in its roots. The SA values of P. tenuiflora and wheat were approximately equivalent in the low-affinity K⁺ uptake range. The SA values of the former were about two times higher than that of the latter in the high-affinity K⁺ uptake range, showing the root high-affinity K⁺ uptake system of the halophyte P. tenuiflora has a stronger capacity for K⁺ uptake.     

Effect of Sodium Chloride Levels on Growth,Water Status,Uptake, Transport,and Accumulation Pattern of Sodium and Chloride Ions in Young Sunflower Plants

There is a paucity of information on the critical content, threshold levels, uptake, transport, and accumulation of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) ions in young sunflower plants. Effect of salinity was analyzed in root, stem, leaves, and buds by raising plants in fine sand irrigated with Hoagland's solution and supplemented with 10–160 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) for 30 days. Maximum sensitivity index, reduction in growth, and water content were observed in buds. Maximum Na⁺ and Cl^? contents were obtained in old leaves and stems under low salinity but in roots at high salinity. Uptake, transport, and accumulation rate of Cl^? were more than those of Na⁺, and for both ions they increased with increasing NaCl concentration but decreased with increasing exposure time. Growth reduction at low salinity seems to be because of Cl^? toxicity, but Na⁺ toxicity and water deficiency could also be the causes at high salinity.     

Comparative Effect of Nitrogen Forms on Nitrogen Uptake and Cotton Growth Under Salinity Stress

The effects of nitrogen (N) forms (ammonium- or nitrate-N) on plant growth under salinity stress [150 mmol sodium chloride (NaCl)] were studied in hydroponically cultured cotton. Net fluxes of sodium (Na⁺), ammonium (NH₄⁺), and nitrate (NO₃^?) were also determined using the Non-Invasive Micro-Test Technology. Plant growth was impaired under salinity stress, but nitrate-fed plants were less sensitive to salinity than ammonium-fed plants due mainly to superior root growth by the nitrate-fed plants. The root length, root surface area, root volume, and root viability of seedlings treated with NO₃-N were greater than those treated with NH₄-N with or without salinity stress. Under salinity stress, the Na⁺ content of seedlings treated with NO₃-N was lower than that in seedlings treated with NH₄-N owing to higher root Na⁺ efflux. A lower net NO₃^? efflux was observed in roots of nitrate-fed plants relative to the net NH₄⁺ efflux from roots of ammonium-fed plants. This resulted in much more nitrogen accumulation in different tissues, especially in leaves, thereby enhancing photosynthesis in nitrate-fed plants under salinity stress. Nitrate-N is superior to ammonium-N based on nitrogen uptake and cotton growth under salinity stress.     

Growth,Water Status,and Nutrient Accumulation of Seedlings of Tamarindus indica Linn. in Response to Soil Salinity

Greenhouse experiments in a completely randomized block design were conducted to assess the effect of soil salinity on emergence, growth, water status, proline content, and mineral accumulation of seedlings of Tamarindus indica Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae). Sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to the soil, and the salinity was maintained at 0.2, 3.9, 6.2, 8.1, 10.0, 11.9, and 13.9 dS m^?1. Salinity lowered water content and water potential of tissues, which resulted in an internal water deficit to plants. Consequently, seedling growth significantly decreased and proline content in tissues increased as salinity increased. There were no effective mechanisms to control net uptake of sodium (Na⁺) and its transport to shoot. Potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) contents in tissues significantly decreased, while nitrogen (N) content significantly increased as salinity increased. Changes in tissues and whole-plant accumulation patterns of other nutrients, as well as possible mechanisms for avoidance of Na⁺ toxicity in this species in response to salinity, are discussed.     

Neotyphodium endophytes trigger salt resistance in tall and meadow fescues

Infection with Neotyphodium spp. endophytes increases resistance to drought stress and soil mineral imbalances in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. = Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J. Darbysh.) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds. = Lolium pratense (Huds.) Darbysh.). We hypothesized that resistance of these grasses to salinity stress may also be attributed to endophyte infection. Two tall fescue genotypes, Fa75 and Fa83, and one meadow fescue genotype, Fp60, infected (E+) with their endophytic fungi, Neotyphodium coenophialum (Glenn, Bacon and Hanlin) and N. uncinatum (Glenn, Bacon and Hanlin), respectively, and their noninfected counterparts (E–) were cultured in nutrient solution at three salinity levels of 0, 85, and 170 mM NaCl. Except for genotype Fa75, E+ plants exhibited higher leaf survival rates than E– clones at a high salinity level (170 mM). Root dry matter was higher in E+ than in E– plants, but shoot dry matter was not affected by endophyte infection. This resulted in a lower shoot‐to‐root ratio in E+ plants (1.63) compared with E– plants (2.40). Sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^–) concentrations were greater in roots of E– than in E+ clones. In shoots, Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations were not affected by the endophyte. In contrast, E+ plants accumulated more potassium (K⁺), which resulted in a greater K⁺ : Na⁺ ratio in shoots of E+ than in those of E– plants. Our results show that endophyte infection reduced Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations in tall fescue and meadow fescue roots but increased K⁺ concentrations in the shoots. Based on these results, we conclude that endophyte‐infected grasses may thrive better in salinity‐stress environments.     

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF TWO BARLEY SPECIES

Salinity is one of the most important agricultural problems in Iran. The effect of different levels of salinity and phosphorus on shoot length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, nutrient elements (sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), phosphorus (P) and chloride (Cl^?), proline and soluble sugar contents of barley were investigated. Two cultivars of barley, Hordeum murinum (wild resistant germplasm) and Hordeum vulgar, variety Afzal were treated in vegetative stage under hydroponics condition in a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized block (CRB) design with four levels of salinity [0, 100, 200 and 300 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and three levels of phosphorus (15, 30 and 55 μm L^?1) with three replications. By increasing salinity, all the measured parameters, except sodium (Na⁺) content were reduced. Furthermore, with increased in phosphorus levels from 15 to 55 μm, Na⁺ content of the plant shoots decreased, but length, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots and K⁺, P, Cl^?, proline, and soluble sugars content of the shoots increased. The results indicated that accumulation of mineral ions for osmotic adjustment and restriction of Na⁺ accumulation in shoots were involved in phosphorus enhancement of the salt tolerance of barley. Thus, it seems that in saline soils, where there is no possibility for soil leaching and amending, application of phosphorus fertilizers can lead to a satisfactory growth and production in barely yield.     

Sodium removal from a calcareous saline–sodic soil through leaching and plant uptake during phytoremediation

Saline–sodic and sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of sodium (Na⁺) to levels that can adversely affect several soil properties and growth of most crops. As a potential substitute of cost‐intensive chemical amelioration, phytoremediation of such soils has emerged as an efficient and low‐cost strategy. This plant‐assisted amelioration involves cultivation of certain plant species that can withstand ambient soil salinity and sodicity levels. It relies on enhanced dissolution of native calcite within the root zone to provide adequate Ca²⁺ for the Na⁺ Ca²⁺ exchange at the cation exchange sites. There is a lack of information for the Na⁺ balance in terms of removal from saline–sodic soils through plant uptake and leaching during the phytoremediation process. We carried out a lysimeter experiment on a calcareous saline–sodic soil [pH of saturated soil paste (pH_s) = 7.2, electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (EC_e) = 4.9 dS m⁻¹, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15.9, CaCO₃ = 50 g kg⁻¹]. There were three treatments: (1) control (without application of a chemical amendment or crop cultivation), (2) soil application of gypsum according to the gypsum requirement of the soil and (3) planting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a phytoremediation crop. The efficiency of treatments for soluble salt and Na⁺ removal from the soil was in the order: gypsum ≈ alfalfa > control. In the phytoremediation treatment, the amount of Na⁺ removed from the soil through leaching was found to be the principal cause of reduction in salinity and sodicity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of salinity and soil temperature on the growth and physiology of drip-irrigated rice seedlings

Drip irrigation offers potential for rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in regions where water resources are limited. However, farmers in China’s Xinjiang Province report that drip-irrigated rice seedlings sometimes suffer salt damage. The objective of this study was to learn more about the effects of soil salinity and soil temperature on the growth of drip-irrigated rice seedlings. The study consisted of a two-factor design with two soil salinity treatments (0 and 1.8 g kg^?1 NaCl) and three soil temperature treatments (18°C, 28°C and 36°C). The results showed that shoot biomass, root biomass and root vigor were greatest when seedlings were grown with no salt stress (0 g kg^?1 NaCl) at 28°C. Moderate salt stress (1.8 g kg^?1 NaCl) combined with high temperature (36°C) significantly reduced root and shoot biomass by 39–53%. Moderate salt stress and high temperature also increased root proline concentration by 77%, root malonyldialdehyde concentration by 60% and seedling mortality by 60%. Shoot and root Na⁺ concentrations, shoot and root Na⁺ uptake and the Na⁺ distribution ratio in shoots were all the greatest when moderate salt stress was combined with high temperature. In conclusion, high soil temperature aggravates salt damage to drip-irrigated rice seedlings. Therefore, soil salinity should be considered before adopting drip-irrigation for rice production.     

Nutrient accumulation in four ornamental tree species under saline stress conditions

The present investigation was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India to screen four ornamental tree species ideal for salt-affected environment. Screening was done on the basis of nutrient accumulation in leaves and roots. The 1-year-old tree seedlings growing in 10″ pots were subjected to five levels of sodium chloride salinity stress (control, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mM). Experimental design utilized was factorial completely randomized block with three replicates in each treatment. In addition, the sodium (Na⁺)/ potassium (K⁺) ratio in leaves and roots of all ornamental tree species was determined. Based upon nutrients content and Na⁺/K⁺, the order of salinity tolerance observed in the study was Casuarina equisetifolia > Acacia auriculiformis > Callistemon lanceolatus > Putranjiva roxburghii.     

Evaluation of Salinity Effects on Ionic Balance and Compatible Solute Contents in Nine Grape (Vitis L.) Genotypes

The salinity tolerance of nine grape genotypes was studied. Salinity was applied as nutrient solutions containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) for two weeks. Growth was significantly reduced by salinity, whereas chloride (Cl^?) and sodium (Na⁺) contents increased. Sodium ion accumulation exceeded that of Cl^? in all treatments. Shirazi and H₆ had higher and lower Cl^? concentrations in their lamina than others. There were significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) between Cl^? and Na⁺ and negative correlation between Na⁺ and potassium (K⁺) in roots and laminas of all genotypes. Soluble sugars, proline, and glycine betaine contents increased in laminas of all of the genotypes with moderate salinity. There were positive correlations (P < 0.01) between lamina and root Na⁺ and Cl^? contents and compatible solutes in all genotypes. Overall results revealed that unlike Shirazi with higher Na⁺ and Cl^? accumulation in shoot, H₆ showed a higher capacity to restrict Na⁺ and Cl^? transport to shoot.