Sodium Chloride Effects on Water and Nutrient Uptake Efficiency in Sarcocornia fruticosa Containerized Production

The ability to produce native plants well adapted to the saline conditions without the production of nutrient-rich runoff will be a boon to nurseries hoping to reduce their environmental contamination impact and water use while at the same time producing quality plants to be used in the restoration of saline lands. Sarcocornia fruticosa plants were grown for 8 weeks in plastic containers with a source of sphagnum peat moss and perlite (80:20 v/v) to evaluate the effect of two salinity levels (2.0 (low-salinity treatment) and 7.5 dS m^?1 (high-salinity treatment)) on plant growth, nutrient concentration in leachate and water and nutrient uptake efficiency and their losses. Leachate was collected to determine the runoff volume and composition, which included nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃^–N), phosphate-phosphorus (PO₄^3–P) and potassium (K⁺) concentrations. Plant dry weight (DW) and nutrient content were determined in plants at the beginning and at the end of the experiment to establish the nutrient balance. Increasing salinity levels of irrigation water did not reduce either the plant DW or the water-use efficiency (WUE), but increased the volume of leachate per plant. The nutrient concentrations in leachates without significant differences between salt treatments exceeded the thresholds established by environmental guidelines, leading to a great risk of pollution. Based on nutrient balance, the irrigation with a higher salinity level reduced the plant nutrient uptake efficiency (10%, 18% and 12% for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), respectively) and increased the nutrient losses (6% N, 7% P and 8% K), resulting in the recommendation to grow this species with the low salinity level based on the highest nutrient-use efficiency and the lowest levels of nutrient losses.     

Effect of Sodium Chloride Salinity on Growth and Ion Accumulation in Some Halophytes

Abstract

Effects of salinity on biomass production, water content, and ion accumulation pattern in Atriplex amnicola P. G. Wilson, Atriplex calotheca L., Atriplex hortensis L., Chenopodium album L., Salsola kali L., and Suaeda nudiflora Moq. (all Chenopodiaceae) have been studied. The plants survived and exhibited no toxicity symptoms up to 6000 mg L^?1 NaCl treatment. Ion composition was variable in plants grown under different salinity treatments. Salinity, except in Suaeda nudiflora where the least biomass was produced in control, affected all other species negatively, and they produced the least biomass at high salinity treatment. Shoot water content of Suaeda nudiflora and Chenopodium album increased significantly in response to salinity. Among all the species examined here, maximum sodium (Na⁺) accumulation was recorded for Suaeda nudiflora, and it increased with the increasing salinity. This study concluded that among all the species tested, Suaeda nudiflora was most suitable plant for bioremediation of salt‐contaminated soils.     

盐分胁迫对菠菜生长和吸氮量的影响

为了研究盐分胁迫对菠菜生长和吸氮量的交互影响,在光培养室内开展了土柱栽培试验。试验设置3个灌溉水含盐量水平:0.87dSm-(1淡水,S0)、2.0dSm-(1盐分胁迫,S1)和5.0dSm-(1盐分胁迫,S2),2个氮肥水平:100kg Nhm-2(N1)和300kgNhm-(2N2)。本试验条件下,菠菜生育期为54天。在前44天,随着盐分胁迫程度增加,菠菜相对生长速率(relative growth rate,RGR)降低,其中在33~44天时,N1水平下,S0处理的RGR最大,为1.30×10-1gg-1day-1;在生育期的后10天,随着盐分胁迫增加,RGR升高。盐分胁迫导致菠菜吸氮量和干物质重下降。盐分胁迫和氮肥的交互影响使菠菜吸氮量降低47.02mgpot-1。菠菜吸氮量是其生长时间的二次函数。该研究表明,S2水平下,菠菜生育前期施肥量高,抑制作物生长。     

Growth,Chlorophyll, and Cation Concentration of Tetraploid Wheat on a Solution High in Sodium Chloride Salt: Hulled Versus Free-Threshing Genotypes

Based on the literature, under-utilized hulled wheats could be tolerant to some harsh environmental conditions. The effect of salt stress on chlorophyll content, leaf area, dry weight, and ion concentrations in eight genotypes of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) using a three-replicate completely random design indoor experiment was studied. These genotypes included six hulled wheat (HW), T. turgidum subspp. Dicoccum, and two free-threshing wheat (FTW), T. turgidum subspp. durum. Salt stress was induced by adding sodium chloride (NaCl) to a hydroponic medium to 40, 80, and 120 mM, in addition to control. Salinity reduced leaf content of chlorophyll a (chl-a) at 120 mM but had not significant effect on chlorophyll b (chl-b) content. Salt stress decreased plant leaf area by nearly 63%. Plant top dry weight declined by 52% with increasing salinity to 120 mM level. Plant top calcium (Ca²⁺) content was not affected, whereas plant top sodium (Na⁺) concentration increased and potassium (K⁺) and magnesium (Mg⁺) concentration decreased with increasing salinity, averaged over genotypes. No significant interaction of genotype × salinity was detected for traits studied in this experiment. When contrasted as two groups of genotypes, i.e., HW vs. FTW, the former group suffered more severe decreases in terms of chl-a, chl-b, leaf area, dry weight, and Mg²⁺ concentration and a more pronounced increase in Na⁺ compared to the FTW. Overall, no evidence of salt tolerance was found for hulled tetraploid wheats of central Iran.     

Sodium Chloride Timing and Length of Exposure Affect Onion Growth and Flavor

ABSTRACT

This study investigated how sequentially exposing plants to sodium chloride (NaCl) would affect growth and the flavor quality of onion (Allium cepaL.) bulbs at harvest. In a greenhouse experiment beginning 74 d before harvest, 100 mM concentrations of NaCl were applied at biweekly intervals to onions growing in nutrient solutions. At harvest, fresh weights (FW) were measured and the bulbs were analyzed for soluble solids content (SSC), bulb pungency as measured by total pyruvate (TPY), bulb sulfur (S) and sulfate (SO₄ ^?2) accumulation, flavor precursors, and their biosynthetic intermediates. Bulb and leaf FW decreased linearly the earlier NaCl was added during plant growth and development. While total bulb S was significantly affected by sequential addition of NaCl, bulb SO₄ ^?2 was unaffected. Bulb pungency was significantly reduced by NaCl, especially when NaCl was introduced during early bulb development. NaCl generally reduced flavor precursor accumulation in a quadratic response, with the greatest depression occurring when plants were exposed to NaCl beginning in the early stages of bulbing. Significant reductions in plant growth and changes in the S-compounds associated with flavor suggested that the duration and timing of NaCl exposure are important in onion.     

Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State of Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge: Chloride,Nitrogen, and Phosphorus

This trial was carried out to study the nutritional and productive behavior generated by modifications in the salt concentration in the nutrient solution for Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge plants. The anions studied were chloride (Cl), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Four treatments were tested: T₁ [control, 1.5 dS m^?1, 14.3 mmol L^?1 sodium chloride (NaCl)], T₂ (2.5 dS m^?1, 22.2 mmol L^?1 NaCl), T₃ (3.5 dS m^?1, 32.7 mmol L^?1 NaCl), and T₄ (4.5 dS m^?1, 38.2 mmol L^?1 NaCl). At the end of the cultivation, leaf, petiole, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, elemental extractions, and elemental concentrations were determined. Nutrient concentrations and total plant uptake (extraction) were calculated from the dry matter. The treatment T₂ induces a blade protection mechanism, which consists on the accumulation of chloride (Cl^?) in root and vessels; so, leaf storage is reduced, avoiding damages. Petiole also contributes to this protection, acting as a salt pool. As NaCl concentration in the nutritive solution arises, N plant concentration increases significantly although there are no significant differences between T₁ and T₂. With high salinity levels, P in vessels is reduced, whereas root extraction and concentration increases. The greatest N and P extractions are observed in T₂, which is due to its higher dry matter. Chloride extractions are lower in T₁ than in the other treatments.     

Effect of Salt Stress and Manganese Supply on Growth of Barley Seedlings

Abstract

Effect of supplemental manganese (Mn) on the growth of salt-stressed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was assessed to determine if a salinity-induced Mn deficiency was limiting plant growth. Sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to the black-cotton soil and salinity was maintained at 0.3, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS m^?1. A negative relationship between percent seed germination and increasing salt concentration was obtained, however, results suggested that barley is salt tolerant at seed germination stage. Increasing concentration of NaCl significantly reduced plant growth. Also, salinity induced a Mn deficiency in shoots of plants. Manganese was added to the soil at control and at 8 dS m^?1 salinity. Supplemental Mn improved the growth of salt-stressed plants to a limited extent, but it did not improve the growth of control plants. Further, supplemental Mn increased the relative growth rate of salt-stressed plants and this increase was attributed to an increase in the net assimilation rate of salt-stressed plants and not to leaf area ratio. Salt concentration adversely affected the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus by plants, which resulted in imbalance of nutrients in salt-stressed plants. It appears that factors other than Mn, such as ionic, water- and nutrient-stresses can limit the growth of salt-stressed plants and supplemental Mn has only a limited role in mitigation of adverse effect of salinity.     

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.     

Effects of Sodium Chloride Applications and Different Growth Media on Ionic Composition in Strawberry Plant

Abstract

The effects of salt (NaCl) applications of various concentrations (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/L) for 10 weeks (69 days) on the morphologic properties and ionic composition of the “Camarosa” strawberry variety grown in perlite and perlite : zeolite (1:1) media were investigated. Injuries of varying severity appeared in the plants depending on the increase of NaCl concentration. At the end of the salt applications, in the aerial part of the plants, the amounts of sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) had generally increased, while the amount of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) had decreased. In the roots of the plants, salt applications increased the amount of Na and Cl and decreased the amount of K and Mg; however, they did not change the amount of Ca and P. In addition, in the aerial parts of the plant, the amounts of Ca and Mg were higher in the perlite : zeolite (1:1) medium than in the perlite medium generally. It was observed that in the roots, the amount of K was higher in the perlite medium, whereas the amount of Mg was higher in the perlite : zeolite (1:1) medium. It was determined that 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/L NaCl levels caused osmotic effects in the “Camarosa” strawberry variety. Moreover, they possess the ability to bring about osmotic regulation.     

盐胁迫对银水牛果幼苗生长和生理特性的影响

通过盆栽试验,采用人为加入NaCl的方法以控制土壤含盐量(0.40%,0.60%,0.80%),研究盐胁迫对2年生银水牛果(Shepherdia argentea)幼苗叶片生长和生理特性的影响,结果表明:(1)随着土壤含盐量的增加,银水牛果幼苗的生长明显受到抑制,株高、生物积累量降低,单株总叶面积、叶片相对含水量减少,净光合速率下降;(2)随胁迫时间的延长,银水牛果幼苗叶片净光合速率在含盐量低于0.60%的土壤中先降低后升高,表明植物幼苗已适应了该盐分的土壤,银水牛果具有较强的耐盐性,本试验条件下以净光合速率下降50%为标准求得银水牛果的耐盐阈值为0.63%;(3)在相同含盐量的土壤中,与对照相比,Ca~(2+)的降幅小于K~+,表明银水牛果幼苗叶片以维持较高的Ca~(2+)含量,保证自身代谢的正常进行,通过提高Mg~(2+)含量以维持自身正常的光合作用,从而适应盐胁迫。     

Long-Term Influence of Nutrient Management on Carbon and Nutrients In Typic-Ustochrept Soils

ABSTRACT

Continuous incorporation of green manure (GM) and rice straw residue (RSR) over a long period of time generally improved soil physico-chemical properties. To generate this information, laboratory studies were conducted during 2014 on the soil samples collected from an on-going long-term experiment on rice–wheat sequence in progress since 2001. The results of the study reported improvement in bulk density, water holding capacity, and total porosity with green manuring. The maximum organic carbon build up was recorded in manure @ 15 t ha^?1 which was applied through GM. The application of fertilizers, GM and RSR incorporation improved the buildup of the available and total N, P, and K contents of surface soil. The data further indicated that the DTPA-extractable and total Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in soil increased significantly in all the fertilizer and manurial treatments over recommended practice. The integrated use of GM and RSR in combination with chemical fertilizers improved the soil fertility status, as well as its physical environment. To sustain the soil health of rice–wheat system in loamy sand soil, it is imperative to apply GM and RSR in combination with chemical fertilizers. Also the increase in DTPA-extractable and total Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn may be attributed to chelating action of organic compounds released from manures applied in the form of GM and RSR under rice–wheat system.     

Effect of Enhanced Nickel Levels on Wheat Plant Growth and Physiology under Salt Stress

A pot experiment was conducted to study the response of wheat to concurrent stresses of salinity and nickel (Ni)-toxicity. Soil was spiked with Ni (0, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1) combined with two levels of salinity (control and 10 dS m^?1) using Ni(ii) nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO₃)₂.6H₂O) and sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively, in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Plants were harvested at the tailoring stage and the results showed that wheat growth was positively affected by Ni at 20 mg kg^?1, and negatively at 40 mg kg^?1 concentration both in control and at 10 dS m^?1. Ni (20 mg kg^?1) had a nonsignificant positive effect on tissue potassium (K⁺) and a significant negative effect on Na⁺ concentration. Moreover, Ni translocation from root to shoot and accumulation decreased by increasing the levels of Ni in both control and salinity treatments. It can be concluded that Ni at 20 mg kg^?1 increased wheat growth by alleviating salinity stress; however, at 40 mg kg^?1 it aggravated the plant stress and decreased the plant growth.     

新型土壤改良剂对冬小麦生长及养分吸收的影响

通过对冬小麦施加一种以秸秆为主要原料研制的新型土壤改良荆(简称PJG),采用田间试验,探讨其对冬小麦生长、产量、各生长期养分含量及氮、磷累积吸收量的影响.结果表明:施加PJG土壤改良剂能提高小麦地上部各生长期干物质累积量.单施可提高8.4%,与氮肥配施可提高37.8%;可增加植株地上部各器官中氮、磷含量及其累积吸收量,但对钾索影响不大.施加1 500 kg/hm2的PJG改良剂,能较对照增产1.90%,与氮肥配施效果更佳,最高增产9.96%.综合考虑,应用PJG土壤改良剂时应与适量的氮肥配施,对作物的生长和产量的提高效果更佳.     

养分合理调控对西兰花生长、品质及土壤特性的影响

为避免不合理施肥及连作导致的西兰花产量低、品质差等问题,采用田间试验方法,设置农民习惯施肥(CK)、合理减量无机肥(MF)、合理减量无机肥配施生物肥(BF1、BF2)4个处理,研究了合理减量无机肥及配施生物肥对西兰花生长、产量、品质、养分吸收和土壤性状的影响。结果表明:每形成1 000kg西兰花花球,平均需要吸收N、P2O5、K2O分别为1.37kg,0.61kg,0.92kg。与CK相比,MF、BF1和BF2的花球单重和直径分别平均增加12.76%,12.11%;增产10.90%~14.16%;可溶糖含量平均提高10.40%,Vc含量平均增加22.83%;N、P2O5、K2O吸收量分别平均提高7.00%,26.83%和8.93%,地上部养分总吸收量平均提高11.32%;各处理土壤养分含量和微生物数量均有不同程度的变化,但差异不显著。与MF相比,BF1和BF2处理的蛋白质含量平均提高17.14%。合理减量无机肥及配施生物肥能促进西兰花生长,增强茎、叶、花球性状,促进同化产物的合成及其由茎叶向花球中的转移,促进养分吸收,提高产量;同时改善品质,提高可溶性糖和Vc含量,配施生物肥能提高蛋白质含量;对土壤养分含量和微生物数量无显著影响,但是由于其减少了氮肥用量,提高了西兰花氮素吸收量,降低了土壤中氮素残留过多污染环境的风险。综合考虑西兰花的生物学性状、养分吸收利用、产量、品质和土壤性状及实际生产需求等,以合理减量无机肥配施丰满屯生物肥效果最好。     

Influence of Humic Acid in Diluted Nutrient Solution on Growth,Nutrient Efficiency,and Postharvest Attributes of Gerbera

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to study the effect of humic acid (HA) on gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cv. Malibu in different diluted nutrient solutions. The HA (500 mgL^?1) was added to a nutrient solution (NS) of gerbera with two dilution levels of NS, ½ NS and ¼ NS, and full-strength nutrient solution (NSc). The HA application compensated for nitrogen, magnesium, and iron deficiency in the ½ NS. Nutrient utilization efficiency (NUTE) of nitrogen in shoot decreased and that of Fe increased in the ½ NS compared with the ¼ NS when HA was applied. The number of harvested flowers per plant was the greatest in the NSc and the ½ NS with incorporating HA. Flower vase life improved by increasing NS level (9.33 days). It seems HA could be successfully considered as a compound to decrease nutrients input in gerbera hydroponics production.     

Growth Responses and Nitrogen-15 Absorption of Desert Saltgrass Under Salt Stress

Abstract

Saltgrass [Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene var. stricta (Gray) Beetle], accession WA-12, collected from a salt playa in Wilcox, AZ, was studied in a greenhouse to evaluate its growth responses in terms of shoot and root lengths, shoot dry-matter yield, and nitrogen (N) (regular and ¹⁵N) absorption rates under control and salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) stress conditions. Plants were grown under a control (no salt) and three levels of salt stress (100, 200, and 400 mM NaCl, equivalent to 5850, 11700, and 23400 mg L^{? 1} sodium chloride, respectively), using Hoagland solution in a hydroponics system. Ammonium sulfate [(¹⁵NH₄)₂SO₄], 53% ¹⁵N (atom percent ¹⁵N) was used to enrich the plants. Plant shoots were harvested weekly, oven-dried at 60°C, and the dry weights measured. At each harvest, both shoot and root lengths were also measured. During the last harvest, plant roots were also harvested and oven-dried, and dry weights were determined and recorded. All harvested plant materials were analyzed for total N and ¹⁵N. The results showed that shoot and root lengths decreased under increasing salinity levels. However, both shoot fresh and dry weights significantly increased at 200 mM NaCl salinity relative to the control or to the 400 mM NaCl level. Shoot succulence (fresh weight/dry weight) also increased from the control (no salt) to 200 mM NaCl, then declined. The root dry weights at both 200 mM and 400 mM NaCl salinity levels were significantly higher than under the control. Concentrations of both total-N and ¹⁵N in the shoots were higher in NaCl-treated plants relative to those under the control. Shoot total-N and ¹⁵N contents were highest in 200 mM NaCl-treated plants relative to those under the control and 400 mM salinity.     

Influence of Three Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphorus on Growth and Nutrient Status of Taro

Abstract

Glasshouse and field experiments were conducted with micropropagated (tissue culture) taro plants and germinated corms to determine the arbuscular mycorrhizal dependency of taro. The micropropagated plants (cultivar Laiyu 3) were transplanted in plastic pots (3‐L) containing a mixture of vermiculite:perlite:peat:sand (2:1:1:1) with 0 or 8000 units of inoculum potential (UIP) of Glomus mosseae (Nicol & Gerd) Gerdemann and Trappe, Glomus versiforme (Karsten) Berch or Gigaspora rosea Nicolson & Schenck. Budded corms were planted in clay pots (8.5‐L) containing sterilized sandy loam mixed with 0 or 12,000 UIP of G. mosseae or G. versiforme, and 0 or 5 g Ca₃(PO₄)₂ were added. In a field experiment, budded corms were placed in paper pots (0.5‐L) with sterilized sandy loam mixed with 0 or 4000 UIP of G. mosseae or G. versiforme and then planted directly in the field. Inoculation with AM fungi significantly increased survival rate and growth of tissue culture taro plants, and the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), enhanced the formation of corms, numbers of second and third branch corms and corm yield, and enhanced the contents of crude protein, starch, and amino acids in the corms. Phosphorus fertilizer slightly increased plant yield but reduced plant absorption of Cu and Zn and root colonization by the AM fungi. Relative mycorrhizal dependence (RMD) of micropropagated plants was greater than that of corms.     

Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State of Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge, 2: Sodium,Potassium, Calcium,and Magnesium

The aim of this trial was to study the nutritional behavior generated by modifications in the salt concentration in the nutrient solution used for the fertigation of Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge plants. Four treatments were tested: T₁ [control, 1.5 dS m^?1, 14.3 mmol L^?1 sodium chloride (NaCl)]; T₂ (2.5 dS m^?1, 22.2 mmol L^?1 NaCl); T₃ (3.5 dS m^?1, 32.7 mmol L^?1 NaCl); and T₄ (4.5 dS m^?1, 38.2 mmol L^?1 NaCl). There is an accumulation of sodium (Na⁺) in roots, stem, and petiole when salinity increases, which avoid leaf damages. Potassium (K) concentration increases with the intermediate saline treatments in stems and leaves but decreases when plants are fertigated with T₄. Calcium (Ca) accumulates in roots with T₃ and T₄, in stems with T₄, and in petioles and leaves with T₃. Magnesium (Mg) concentration is greater in stems, petioles, and leaves of T₄, but is greater in roots of T₃. Plants fertigated with the three saline treatments extract 1.4 times more Na⁺ than T₁ plants. The greatest K⁺ extraction is observed in T₂, followed by T₃, and T₄. T₂, T₃, and T₄ plants extracted more Ca²⁺ than T₁ plants. Finally, Mg²⁺ extractions in T₃ are twice as much as they are in T₁, while in T₄ and T₂ are much greater.     

盐胁迫对黑麦草幼苗生长的影响及磷肥的缓解作用

采用盆栽试验和生理生化分析方法研究了盐胁迫对黑麦草幼苗生长的影响以及施用磷肥(过磷酸钙)对盐胁迫下黑麦草幼苗生长的缓解作用。结果表明,盐胁迫下黑麦草幼苗干物质积累下降;增施磷肥能促进黑麦草幼苗生长,增加干物质积累,增强黑麦草对Na+、K+吸收的选择性,促进K+的吸收和向叶片运输;能提高叶片叶绿素含量,增强叶片净光合速率和气孔导度,增加可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖及脯氨酸含量,从而增强黑麦草幼苗对盐胁迫的适应能力。     

Effect of Free and Encapsulated Raoultella Planticola Rs-2 on Cotton Growth Promotion Under Salt Stress

The effectiveness of free and encapsulated Raoultella planticola Rs-2 inoculants in promoting cotton growth under salinity stress were investigated. The germination and seedling rates of cotton seeds inoculated with encapsulated Rs-2 (CRs-2-S) were more higher than those of cotton seeds treated with free Rs-2 (FRs-2-S) and non-inoculated strain (CK-S) under salt stress. Meanwhile, the root length, shoot length, and biomass of cotton plants in CRs-2-S increased compared with those of plants in FRs-2-S and CK-S. Moreover, the content of photosynthetic pigments of cotton leaves, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase of cotton seedlings in CRs-2-S treatment were greater than those in FRs-2-S and CK-S treatments. The proline and malendialdehyde contents of cotton seedlings in CRs-2-S decreased compared with FRs-2-S and CK-S-treated seedlings. The nutritional elemental uptake of cotton plants in CRs-2-S treatment was enhanced and the accumulation of sodium decreased compared with FRs-2-S and CK-S plants. Results demonstrate that encapsulated Rs-2 has more potential positive effects on cotton seedlings than free cells.