Nutrient Uptake,Water Relations,and Yield Performance lf Different Wheat Cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) under Salinity Stress

A pot experiment was conducted in the wire house of Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to evaluate the effect of salinity stress on water relations, nutrient uptake and yield of six local spring wheat cultivars. The seeds were sown in plastic pots (25 × 15 cm) and experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three repeats. De-ionized water was used as control treatment while salinity stress was imposed by irrigating plants with sodium chloride (NaCl) solution of 10 mM at tillering, stem elongation, anthesis, and grain development stages. Results of the study demonstrated that salinity stress decreased water potential by 32%, osmotic potential by 12%, and relative water contents by 20% as compared to control treatment. The nitrogen (N) uptake was decreased by 36% under salinity stress, while phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) uptake were decreased by 56% and 42%, respectively. The yield of wheat plants was also significantly reduced under salinity stress. It reduced grain yield by 25% and grain weight by 7%. The response of different cultivars was also different to salinity stress as cultivars ‘Lasani-08’ and ‘FSD-08’ were found to be more tolerant as compared to other cultivars.     

基于SaltMod模型的河套灌区解放闸灌域土壤盐分综合调控措施

为了探究河套灌区解放闸灌域土壤盐分的综合调控措施,以河套灌区解放闸灌域为例,基于SaltMod模型研究了灌溉水矿化度、咸淡水混合比例、排水沟深度以及渠道衬砌水平对作物根层土壤盐分的影响。结果表明:根层土壤盐分随着灌溉水矿化度的增大而增加,1.0 g/L的地表微咸水较适合本研究区灌溉;淡水(黄河水)和地下微咸水(矿化度为2.2 g/L)混合灌溉比为1∶1时,既增加了地下微咸水的利用且地下水埋深下降到2 m左右的相对稳定平衡状态;当排水深度在1.5~2.0 m,渠系利用系数达到0.7时,根层盐分显著降低,适当提高排水深度和渠系水利用系数可以有效减少高矿化度灌溉水对土壤盐分累积的影响。研究结果为河套灌区解放闸灌域制定合理的土壤盐分综合调控措施提供了科学的理论依据。     

Morphophysiological Traits Imparting Salinity Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids under Saline Water Irrigation in Vertisols

Maize is categorized as a salt-sensitive crop and identification of fairly salt-tolerant lines is of paramount importance for increasing its production on saline soils. Experiments were conducted in randomized block design with three replications to identify maize accessions showing response to saline water irrigation, traits imparting tolerance, and their effect on yield attributes of maize. Significant variation was present among genotypes for specific leaf area (SLA), potassium (K) content, cob characteristics, yield, biomass, and harvest index. High amount of heritability with large genetic advance indicated the presence of additive gene action for traits like leaf water potential and leaf dry weight. Association analysis revealed high correlation between key traits and direct as well as positive effect of these traits on yield. Principal component analysis resolved three principal components, and high leaf area and water potential were conferring salt tolerance and thus higher yield.     

Effects of Calcium Chloride on Growth,Membrane Permeability and Root Hydraulic Conductivity in Two Atriplex Species Grown at High (Sodium Chloride) Salinity

Calcium (Ca) has an important role in plant physiology, including involvement in the responses to salt stress, and controls numerous processes. To overcome the negative impact of high salinity, the addition of supplemental Ca to the growth medium as an ameliorative agent could be necessary. Atriplex halimus subsp. schweinfurthii and Atriplex canescens subsp. linearis were grown in hydroponic conditions to investigate the effectiveness of supplementary calcium chloride (CaCl₂) applied into nutrient solution on plants grown at high (400 mM) sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration. Treatments were: 1) nutrient solution alone [control (C)]; 2) nutrient solution plus 400 mM sodium chloride (NaCl); and 3) nutrient solution and 400 mM NaCl plus supplementary 40 mM CaCl₂ supplied in nutrient solution (NaCl + CaCl₂). The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design, consisting of two species (A. halimus and A. canescens), three treatments (control, NaCl, and NaCl + CaCl₂), and five replicates. Dry weight and chlorophyll content of plants grown at high NaCl were lower than those at normal nutrient solution. Supplementary CaCl₂ ameliorated the negative effects of salinity on plant growth in both species. Root hydraulic conductivity (L ₀) decreased with elevated NaCl and increased with supplementary CaCl₂ compared to the stressed plants. Membrane permeability increased with high NaCl application and these increases in root membrane permeability decreased with supplementary CaCl₂ compared to the NaCl treatment. Sodium (Na) concentration in plant tissues increased in both species in high NaCl level. Application of supplementary CaCl₂ lowered Na concentration. Concentrations of calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) were at deficient ranges in the plants grown at high NaCl levels and these deficiencies were corrected by supplementary CaCl₂.     

Differential Responses of Jatropha Species on Growth and Physiological Parameters to Salinity Stress at Seedling Plant Stage

The effect of salinity on Jatropha curcas (J. curcas), native to nonsaline humid areas, and Jatropha cinerea (J. cinerea), native to saline dry areas, was compared to assess the potential of cultivating J. curcas for biodiesel production in saline soils that are not suitable for food production. Growth parameters, water relations, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance of both species under salinity were measured. Dry weight of both species decreased with increasing concentrations of salt; however, both species can grow at salinities up to ?100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). Decline of stomatal conductance was one of the main factors causing reduction in growth of Jatropha spp. Growth of J. curcas was inhibited more than that of J. cinerea by decline in growth parameters and chlorophyll content, but J. curcas shows sufficient hardiness to be cultivated in moderately saline soils with more favorable water relations.     

不同密度刺槐林在蒸腾旺季的蒸腾特征

在蒸腾旺盛的7,8月份,选择典型晴天,对5种不同密度(1 400,1 600,1 800,2 000,2 200株/hm2)刺槐(Robinia Pseudoacacia L.)林的叶片含水量、蒸腾速率、叶水势、根水势日变化进行了观察,并测定了林地0-60 cm土层的土壤含水量.结果表明,(1)各密度林分叶片含水量的日均值在7,8月份均为ρ2200>ρ2000>ρ1400>ρ1600>ρ1800,8月低于7月;(2)不同密度刺槐林蒸腾速率日变化趋势在7,8月份呈现相似的变化规律,即随着林分密度的增大,蒸腾速率日变化曲线由"双峰型"趋于"单峰型",最大值均出现在下午13:00-14:00,日平均蒸腾速率在7,8月份为:ρ1800>ρ1600>ρ1400>ρ2000>ρ2200;(3)不同密度刺槐林叶水势的日均值在7,8月份均为ρ1800<ρ1600<ρ1400<ρ2000<ρ2200,但8月份明显低于7月份,其日变幅则明显高于7月份;(4)根水势高于叶水势,日变幅小于叶水势日变幅,日均值大小在7,8月份均为:ρ1800>ρ1600>ρ1400>ρ2000>ρ2200,且8月份低于7月份,而日变幅则是8月份大于7月份;(5)不同密度刺槐林一天中根、叶水势之差(Δψ)与蒸腾速率(Tr)的关系可以用对数曲线来拟合;(6)刺槐的叶水势随着叶片含水量的增大而升高,二者的关系可以用对数曲线来拟合;(7)不同密度林地7月份土壤含水量随土层深度的增加变幅较小,而8月份变幅较大,0-60 cm土层的土壤平均含水量随林地密度的增大而减小.从土壤水分的有效利用以及达到最佳生长状况的角度出发,建议试验区15年生刺槐林分密度为1 800株/hm2.     

Effects of Foliar Application of FeSO4 and NaCl Salinity on Vegetative Growth,Antioxidant Enzymes Activity,and Malondialdehyde Content of Tanacetum balsamita L.

Salinity is one of the major environmental stressors which has deleterious effects on the growth, development, and yield of crops. Because of the gradual increase in soil and water salinity in the East Azarbaijan, Iran, Tanacetum balsamita L. cultivation in this region has always been associated with many problems. To study the effect of foliar spray of iron sulfate (FeSO₄) (0, 750, and 1500 mg L^?1) under sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM) on some physiological characteristics of Tanacetum balsamita L. plants, an experiment was conducted as a factorial based on complete randomized block design with three replications. Total soluble solids (TSS) and essential oil contents were significantly affected by the interaction effects of FeSO₄ foliar application and salinity levels. The highest TSS and essential oil content were found in the plants under NaCl₀ × FeSO₄ 1500 mg L^?1 treatment combination. Leaf length, leaf fresh and dry weights were influenced by both Fe foliar application and salinity levels. Foliar application of iron (Fe) positively affected leaf length, leaves fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights and peroxidase (POD) content, especially at ₁₅₀₀ mg L^?1. Other traits such as leaf length, leaf fresh and dry weights, malondialdehyde (MDA), POD and catalase (CAT) contents were influenced by salinity levels. For POD, MDA, and CAT contents, the highest values were recorded with NaCl 50 and 100. The highest values of leaf length, leaf fresh and dry weights were found in the control plants.     

Sensitivities of Stress Indicators for Available Soil Water and Its Salinity and for Sorghum Leaf Water Potential under Drip Irrigation

Abstract

The impact of two input amounts, two frequencies, and three salinity levels on the temporal sensitivity of the stress indicators, available soil water (K _W ), its salinity (K _S ), and leaf water potential of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)] grown in dune sand in a plastic greenhouse were investigated. The K _W for the irrigation input amount equivalent to one‐half of an open pan on a daily basis (EP0.50‐1) ranged from 0.32 to 0.51 compared with 0.51 to 0.98 for the 100% of open‐pan irrigation input on daily basis. The corresponding K _S ranges were 0.50 to 0.98 (EP1.00‐1) and 80 to 0.98 for K _s . The K _W for the three increasing salinity levels (S‐1, S‐2, and S‐3) ranged from 0.68 to 0.96 for S‐1, 0.58 to 0.90 for S‐2, and 0.43 to 0.89 for S‐3, respectively, and from 0.85 to 1.00 for the control. The corresponding K _S ranges were 0.89 to 0.98, 0.70 to 0.96, 0.49 to 0.70, and 1.00 to 1.00, respectively. The LWP ranges for the three salinity levels were ?1.70 to ?0.70 for S‐1, ?2.50 to ?1.20 for S‐2, ?2.90 to ?1.60 for S‐3, and ?0.70 to ?0.20 MPa for the control. The time series statistical parameters mean, median, coefficient of variation (CV), and the 20th percentile values (PC20), assessed to discriminate the temporal sensitivity of the stress indicators indicated that CV and PC20 are equally better than median, which in turn is better than mean. Sorghum grain yield depended on irrigation input amount and schedules, leaf water potential (LWP), and the interaction involving K _W and K _S (R² _adj 0.71 to 0.85). The temporal sensitivity of the stress indicators K _W , K _S , and LWP indicated that EP1.00‐1 provided the least‐risk irrigation option with regard to water and salinity stress in relation to sorghum grain yield.     

Adaptation and Validation of a Methodology for the Measurement of Calcium Fractions in Fruits

Calcium (Ca) content of fruit is related to fruit quality. However, total content alone is insufficient to judge fruit quality; calcium partitioning and chemical form are also important. There are multiple validated methods for determining total calcium content. However, methodologies to measure calcium fractions are not widely known and tend to be complex, affecting their accuracy. Here, based on previous work, we aim to adapt and validate a method for the extraction of the various forms of calcium in fruits. The main modification was freezing samples to minimize the loss of sample material in the procedure, reducing the centrifugation time and speed, and the addition of nitric acid (HNO₃) to improve digestion and eliminate interference from the matrix. An experiment with table grape berries cv. Thompson seedless in harvest and Postharvest (35 days) was carried out. The results of the total calcium were compared with the conventional methodology of calcination and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) measurement. We detected no and no significant differences between the two tested methods. Electron Microscope - Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (SEM-EDS) and the presence of calcium oxalates were verified.     

Different Levels of Irrigation Water Salinity and Biochar Influence on Faba Bean Yield,Water Productivity,and Ions Uptake

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 dS m^?1) and wheat straw biochar (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 3.75% w/w) on growth and yield of faba been using complete randomized design with three replications. Stomatal conductance (green canopy temperature) of faba bean increased (decreased) by application of biochar at each salinity level. The results showed increasing salinity to 2.5 dS m^?1 at zero biochar application increased the seed yield through osmotic adjustment, while by declining the osmotic potential, the nutritional values of biochar caused the seed yield to increase by increasing salinity to 5 dS m^?1. The root length density and root dry weight density in 0–8 cm soil layer declined under application of 3.75% w/w biochar in all salinity levels in comparison with that obtained in 2.5% w/w biochar, due to higher saline condition of the soil as result of higher biochar application. The results showed that addition of 2.5% w/w biochar can significantly mitigate salinity stress due to its high salt sorption capacity and by increasing potassium/sodium ratio in the soil. In general, since 2.5 % w/w biochar and salinity of 5 dS m^?1 increased dry seed yield and irrigation water productivity compared with that obtained in control (B₀S_0.5), these levels are recommended to improve faba bean growth and yield; however, these levels have to be evaluated under field conditions.     

Implications of Calcium Nutrition on the Response of Salvadora persica (Salvadoraceae) to Soil Salinity

Effects of Ca (Ca²⁺) level on the response of germination and seedling growth of Salvadora persica Linn. (Salvadoraceae) to sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity in soil were investigated. Salinity significantly retarded the seed germination and seedling growth, but the injurious effects of NaCl on seed germination were ameliorated and seedling growth was restored with Ca supply at the critical level to salinized soil. Calcium supply above the critical level further retarded the seed germination and seedling growth because of the increased soil salinity. Salt stress reduced nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and Ca content in plant tissues, but these nutrients were restored by addition of Ca at the critical level to saline soil. The opposite was true for sodium (Na⁺). The results are discussed in terms of the beneficial effects of Ca for plant growth under saline conditions.     

Mineral Uptake of Mycorrhizal Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Salinity Stress

The hypothesis was that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are able to alleviate salt stress on plant growth by enhancing and adjusting mineral uptake. The objectives were to determine (1) the effects of soil salinity on mineral uptake by different wheat genotypes and (2) the effectiveness of different mycorrhizal treatments on the mineral uptake of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under salinity. Wheat seeds of Chamran and Line 9 genotypes were inoculated with different species of AM fungi including Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices, and G. etunicatum and their mixture at planting using 100 g inoculum. Pots were treated with the salinity levels of 4, 8, and 12 dS/m before stemming. Different arbuscular mycorrhizal treatments, especially the mixture treatment, increased wheat mineral uptake for both genotypes. Although Line 9 genotype resulted in greater nutrient uptake under salinity stress, Chamran was more effective on adjusting sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) uptake under salt stress.     

宁夏引黄灌区土壤盐渍化现状与改良

引黄灌区总面积64.23万hm2,盐渍化相对面积39.72%,自流灌区48.92%。20年来,土壤盐渍化发展趋势是总体稳定局部加重。其主要原因是渠道砌护率低,灌排设施老化失修,新垦耕地面积增大,城镇建设和工业化占用非盐渍化耕地面积增大,因管理欠科学,局部地段科学轮作制度受扰及高位扬黄灌区对自流灌区浸渍危害。相应的治理措施是加强渠道砌护及沟道坍塌治理,加速新垦盐荒地的沃土建设,在节水前提下提高灌溉管理水平,在高位扬水灌区与低位自流灌区间建设防浸沟。     

Growth,Root Characteristics,and Leaf Nutrients Accumulation of Four Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Cultivars Differing in Their Broomrape Tolerance and the Soil Properties in Relation to Salinity

The effects of salinity on four faba bean (Vicia faba L) cultivars [Giza 429, Giza 843, Misr 1 (Orobanche-tolerant), and Giza 3 (Orobanche-susceptible)] and soil properties were investigated in a pot experiment with addition of 0, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) for 9 weeks. Salinity significantly decreased calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), potassium (K⁺), bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^?), and sulfate (SO₄ ^2?) while significantly increasing sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl^?), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC; dS m^?1). Root length density (cm cm^?3), root mass density (mg cm^?3), total dry weight, and salt-tolerance indexes were significantly reduced as a result of application of salinity. The results presented support evidence on the positive relationship between Orobance tolerance and salt tolerance in the three cultivars (Giza 429, Giza 843, and Misr 1). This adaptation was mainly due to a high degree of accumulation of inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ and lesser quantities of Na⁺ and Cl^?, as well as greater K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios.     

Water relations and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exposed to interactions of drought and fungal root diseases (Rhizoctonia and Pythium)

A pot experiment investigated the effects of root diseases (Pythium and Rhizoctonia) under drought conditions at either tillering or anthesis stages on the water-use efficiency (WUE), water relations, and yield components of wheat cultivars Janz and Mulgara. The pathogens reduced transpiration in Janz during drought at tillering and in both cultivars during the period of recovery after drought at anthesis. However, the pathogens did not affect WUE. WUE did not differ between well-watered plants and those droughted at tillering but it was reduced by 80% by drought at anthesis. Un-infected plants of cultivar Janz subjected to drought at tillering had a higher total water potential (Ψ_w) and osmotic potential (Ψ_s) than diseased plants. However, Ψ_s of un-inoculated plants that were droughted at anthesis was lower than diseased plants in the period following anthesis. Yield components were significantly higher in well-watered than droughted plants and higher in cv. Mulgara than cv. Janz. The pathogens affected transpiration during tillering, but not at later stages, when roots developed beyond the inoculation point. Although the pathogens caused damage to the roots, the effects on water relations parameters were minor. This suggests that wheat can tolerate moderate levels of these root diseases under drought.     

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.     

Genotypic Difference in Nitrogen Acquisition Ability in Maize Plants Is Related to the Coordination of Leaf and Root Growth

ABSTRACT

The capacity of a plant to take up nitrate is a function of the activity of its nitrate-transporter systems and the size and architecture of its root system. It is unclear which of the two components, root system or nitrate-uptake system, is more important in nitrogen (N) acquisition under nitrogen-sufficiency conditions. Two maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines (478 and Wu312) grown in nutrient solution in a controlled environment were compared for their N acquisition at 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 5, and 10 mmol L^?1 nitrate supply. Genotype 478 could take up more N than Wu312 at all nitrate concentrations, though the shoot biomass of the two genotypes was similar. Genotype 478 had a larger leaf area and longer root length. The specific N uptake rate of 478 (μmol N g^?1 root. d^?1) was lower than that of Wu312. In an independent nitrate-depletion experiment, the potential nitrate uptake rate of 478 was also lower than that of Wu312. No genotypic difference was found in photosynthesis rate. It was concluded that the greater N acquisition ability in 478 involves the coordination of leaf and root growth. Vigorous leaf growth caused a large demand for N. This demand was met by the genotype's large root system. Besides providing a strong sink for N uptake, the larger leaf area of 478 might also guarantee the carbohydrate supply necessary for its greater root growth.     

Effects of different magnesium levels on some morphophysiological characteristics and nutrient elements uptake in Khatouni melons (cucumis melo var. inodorus)

A nutrient solution experiment was carried out to evaluate effects of different magnesium (Mg) concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of magnesium concentration of Hoagland solution) on growth and physiological characteristics of Iranian melons (Cucumis melo var. inodorus subvar. Khatouni). The experiment was done based on completely randomized design using plastic pots and sand culture. The results showed that SPAD value of leaves, plant leaf number, stem diameter, shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh weight, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, protein, catalase and peroxidase activities were constantly increased by increasing Mg levels of nutrient solution until 75 or 100% Mg levels, while leaf area, petiole length, internodes length were highest in lower levels of Mg compared to full Mg of nutrient solution. Moreover, the leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium, and iron (Fe), but not calcium (Ca), were increased by increasing magnesium concentration to full Hoagland nutrient solution Mg level.     

Changes in gas exchange capacity and selected physiological properties of squash seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L.) under well-watered and drought stress conditions

Water use efficiency (WUE) is considered as an important component of adaptation to drought stress. This study was conducted to determine the effect of drought stress on gas exchange parameters and selected physiological properties, and also its relations with WUE in summer squash seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L.). Plants were grown in pots under different irrigation levels (D0: 100%, D1: 67% and D2: 33% of the water required to reach the field capacity) in controlled greenhouse. The results show that drought treatments significantly decreased the leaf chlorophyll reading values (LCRV), leaf relative water content (LRWC), stomatal conductance (g_s), photosynthetic rate (P_N), transpiration rate (T_r), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of squash seedlings by 7, 42, 69, 62, 62 63 and 82%, respectively, in D2 treatment compared to D0. However, electrolyte leakage (EL) values increased 72% with severe drought treatments (D2). The highest WUE was obtained by D0 treatment as 0.26 g mm^?1. The relationship between P_N and WUE is the strongest one among all leaf gas exchange parameters. Together with T_r, the linear relation with WUE was considerably higher compared to other measured parameters.     

Supplementary Calcium and Potassium Improve the Response of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Simultaneous Alkalinity,Salinity, and Boron Stress

Irrigation water of poor quality that is high in salts, alkalinity-inducing compounds, and boron (B) threatens global agricultural production. The objective of the present study was to determine whether supplementary calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) ameliorate the response of tomato plants to a simultaneous combination of these stress conditions. Irrigation water high in alkalinity, salinity, and B reduced plant growth, which was associated with a partial impairment in the antioxidant system (reduction in catalase activity), impairment in water relations (reduced relative water content), decreased nutrient acquisition [lower nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) content]; and specific toxicity due to the increase in shoot sodium (Na) and B. However, stressed plants exhibited partially improved growth when supplemented with greater concentrations of Ca and K, which were associated with enhanced P concentration, maintenance of chlorophyll a concentration, and/or partially restored N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake.