The effects of sodium chloride on ornamental shrubs

The use of saline waters is an option for the irrigation of salt tolerant ornamentals as competition for high quality water increases. However, despite the importance of ornamental shrubs in Mediterranean areas, salt tolerance of such species has received little attention. The aims of our investigation were to quantify the growth response and any injury symptom of 12 widely cultivated ornamental shrubs to irrigation with saline water and to investigate any possible relation with the concentration of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in the plants. Species were irrigated with different salinities (10, 40, and 70 mM NaCl) for a 120-day period. At the end of salt treatment, plants were sampled and dry biomass recorded; the relative growth rate (RGR) was also calculated. Root and leaf samples from each species were used to evaluate Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations. Growth rates were significantly reduced in Cotoneaster lacteus, Grevillea juniperina and Pyracantha ‘Harlequin’, which also showed the highest percentage of necrotic leaves. The increasing external NaCl lead to an increase of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in roots and leaves of the different species, although less Na⁺ was accumulated than Cl⁻: growth reduction well correlated with the concentration of Cl⁻ and/or Na⁺ in the leaves. The most sensitive species (i.e. C. lacteus, G. juniperina and Pyracantha ‘Harlequin’) had high concentrations of Na⁺ and/or Cl⁻ in their leaves and also showed a decrease in their leaf K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Even though other species (i.e. Bougainvillea glabra, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Leptospermum scoparium, Leucophyllum frutescens and Ruttya fruticosa) demonstrated a high ion concentration in their leaves, they could be considered relatively salt tolerant as there was little growth reduction and few symptoms of injury in the leaves. In some other cases (i.e. Cestrum fasciculatum, Escallonia rubra and Viburnum lucidum) the observed tolerance was related to higher ion concentration in the roots compared to the leaves, probably indicative of a limited transport to the shoots. Only in Eugenia myrtifolia was the absence of symptoms associated with a limited Na⁺ and Cl⁻ uptake from the rhizosphere.     

Alleviation of salt-induced adverse effects in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) by glycinebetaine and sugarbeet extracts

Two eggplant cultivars, Dilnasheen and Bemisal, were selected to assess whether pure GB and sugarbeet extract could effectively ameliorate the harmful effects of salt stress on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), under saline conditions. Salt stress markedly suppressed the growth, yield, photosynthetic capacity, internal CO₂ level, transpiration, and stomatal conductance in both cultivars. Potassium (K⁺) and Ca²⁺ contents and K⁺/Na⁺ ratios of both root and leaf were also reduced, while GB and proline in leaves, and Na⁺ and Cl⁻ contents in roots and leaves were significantly enhanced. Exogenously applied glycinebetaine and sugarbeet extracts significantly counteracted the salt-induced adverse effects on growth, yield, various gas exchange characteristics, GB and leaf K⁺, Ca⁺, Cl⁻ and Na⁺. However, GB and sugarbeet extract showed differential effects on photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration, internal CO₂ level, C_i/C_a ratio, leaf K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Cl⁻ contents, and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. Sugarbeet extract proved better than the GB in improving growth, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, yield and GB accumulation. Since, sugarbeet extract contains a substantial amount of GB along with a variety of other important nutrients so it was found as effective as pure GB in improving growth and some key physiological processes in eggplant under salt stress. Thus, it can be used as an alternative cheaper source of GB for its use as an ameliorative agent for protecting plants against the hazardous effects of salt stress.     

Effects of Ascorbic Acid and Reduced Glutathione on the Alleviation of Salinity Stress in Olive Plants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low molecular mass antioxidants and NaCl salinity on growth, ionic balance, proline, and water contents of ‘Zard’ olive trees under controlled greenhouse conditions. The experiment was carried out by spraying 2 mM of ascorbic acid (Asc) and 3 mM of reduced glutathione (GSH) on the plants that were treated with two salinity levels (0 and 100 mM NaCl) on their root medium. Plant growth parameters (leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, leaf number, total fresh weight, and total dry weight) were significantly improved by Asc compared with growth parameters in GSH and control plants. Higher concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^– were observed in salt-stressed plants, while Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations were decreased in the olive leaves that were sprayed with Asc. Salinity in the root zone caused a considerable decline in both K⁺ concentration and K/Na ratio. K⁺ concentration and K/Na ratio were significantly increased by application of Asc on plant leaves. Salinity caused an increase in electrolyte leakage (EL) compared with the control plants. Lowest EL and tissue water content (TWC) was obtained in Asc-sprayed plants, whereas TWC was increased in salt-stressed plants. Plants were subjected to salt stress and showed a higher relative water content (RWC) than the control plants. Salt stress induced proline accumulation in olive leaves. In conclusion, exogenous application of Asc is recommended to improve tolerance of olive plants under saline conditions.     

Calcium increases sodium exclusion in olive plants

‘Picual’ olive cuttings were grown in a greenhouse under saline conditions in 2 L plastic pots containing perlite. Plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution plus 75 mM NaCl and 0, 2.5, 10 or 40 mM CaCl₂. Vegetative growth, leaf and root Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentrations were measured. Na⁺ toxicity symptoms were observed in plants non-treated with Ca²⁺. Shoot length was higher in Ca²⁺ treated plants, although shoot growth was reduced at 40 mM CaCl₂, probably due to the high total ion concentration reached in the external solution. Ca²⁺ supply linearly increased leaf and root Ca²⁺ concentration and decreased leaf Na⁺ concentration. However, there were no differences in root Na⁺ concentration. Results indicate Ca²⁺ may take part in the Na⁺ exclusion mechanism, mainly preventing Na⁺ transport to the shoot, that may be an important ability for survival under saline conditions.     

Additional nitrogen fertilization affects salt tolerance of lemon trees on different rootstocks

Irrigation with saline water is one of the major problems in citrus crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Because rootstock and fertilization play an important role in citrus salt tolerance, we investigated the influence of the nitrogen fertilization and rootstock on salt tolerance of 2-year-old potted Fino 49 lemon trees. For that, trees grafted on Citrus macrophylla (M) or Sour orange (SO) rootstocks were watered for 12 weeks with complete nutrient solution containing either 0 mM NaCl (control, C), 50 mM NaCl (S), 50 mM NaCl with an additional 10 mM potassium nitrate (S + N), or 50 mM NaCl with a 1% KNO₃ (S + Nf) foliar spray application. Trees on M were more vigorous than trees on SO and saline treatments reduced leaf growth similarly in trees on both rootstocks. Trees on SO had a lower leaf Cl⁻ and Na⁺ concentration than those on M. Additional soil nitrogen (S + N) decreased leaf Cl⁻ concentration and increased leaf K⁺ concentration in salinized trees on both rootstocks. However, the salinity-induced reduction leaf growth was similar in S + N and S trees. This was due to osmotic effect, beside leaf Cl⁻ and Na⁺ toxicity, played an important role in the growth response of Fino 49 lemon to the salt stress. Additional foliar nitrogen in the S + Nf treatment also reduced leaf Cl⁻ concentration relative to the S treatment but trees from S + Nf treatment had the lowest leaf growth. Net assimilation of CO₂ (ACO₂$A_{\text{C}{\text{O}}_2}$), stomatal conductance (g_s) and plant transpiration were reduced similarly in all three salt treatments, regardless rootstock. Salinity reduced leaf water and osmotic potential such that leaf turgor was increased. Thus, the salinity-induced ACO₂$A_{\text{C}{\text{O}}_2}$ reductions were not due to loss of turgor but rather due to high salt ion accumulation in leaves.     

The influence of NaCl salinity on growth,yield and fruit quality of strawberry cvs. ‘Elsanta’ and ‘Korona’

In a 2-year field study, strawberry cvs. ‘Elsanta’ and ‘Korona’ were exposed to three different levels of NaCl salinity supplied as aqueous solutions characterised by electrical conductivities of 0.3 dS/m, 2.6 dS/m, and 5.1 dS/m. Salinity in the rhizosphere reduced plant growth by up to 44% in ‘Korona’ and 90% in ‘Elsanta’. A rather distinct cultivar difference represented the reduction in leaf area per plant of 85% in the second year of experiment in ‘Elsanta’ compared to 29% in ‘Korona’. Strawberry can be regarded as a Na⁺ excluder, because Na⁺ content of both strawberry cultivars remained below 3 mg g⁻¹ dry mass at all salinity levels. Cl⁻ content increased considerably, up to 70 mg g⁻¹ dry mass in ‘Korona’ and 80 mg g⁻¹ dry mass in ‘Elsanta’ plants. ‘Korona’ retained most of its Cl⁻ in roots and crowns, whereas in ‘Elsanta’ the maximum was detected in petioles. ‘Korona’ was able to accumulate up to 33% higher Cl⁻ content in the roots than ‘Elsanta’. Macronutrient deficiency due to NaCl salinity was not observed and in comparison to ‘Elsanta’, higher Cl⁻ content in roots of ‘Korona’ did not coincide with an impairment of macronutrient uptake. Salinity stress reduced fruit yield by up to 27% in ‘Korona’ and 64% in ‘Elsanta’. Fruit quality, characterised as taste, aroma, and texture by a consumer-type panel, decreased by more than 24% in ‘Elsanta’, but in ‘Korona’ differences were insignificant. Total soluble solids (Brix) and the ratio Brix/TA (TA, titratable acid) decreased significantly by about 20% in ‘Korona’ and 35% in ‘Elsanta’. To summarise, the ability of ‘Korona’ to retain Cl⁻ in the root system more effectively than ‘Elsanta’ resulted not only in a 41% lower leaf Cl⁻ content at the highest salinity level and a better growth under NaCl stress, but also in a relatively higher fruit yield and fruit quality.     

Bell pepper yield and soil properties during conversion from conventional to organic production in Indian Himalayas

A conversion period of at least two years is required for annual crops before produce may be certified as organically grown. There is a need for better understanding of the various management options for implementing from conventional to organic production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three organic amendments on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), the benefit:cost ratio, soil fertility and enzymatic activities during conversion to organic production. For that purpose six treatments were established: composted farmyard manure (FYMC, T₁); vermicompost (VC, T₂); poultry manure (PM, T₃) along with biofertilizers (BF) [Azotobacter + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas striata)] and mix of three amendments (FYMC + PM + VC + BF, T₄); integrated crop management (FYMC + NPK, T₅) and unamended control (T₆). The bell pepper yield under organic management was markedly lower (33–53% and 18–40% less in first and second year of conversion, respectively) than with the integrated crop management (FYMC 10 Mg ha⁻¹ + NPK – 100:22:41.5 kg ha⁻¹) treatment (T₅). Combined application of three organic amendments (FYMC 10 Mg ha⁻¹ + PM and VC each 1.5 Mg ha⁻¹ + BF, T₄) and T₁ produced similar but significantly higher bell pepper yield (27.9 and 26.1 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively) compared with other organic amendment treatments. Both T₄ and T₁ greatly lowered soil bulk density (1.15–1.17 Mg m⁻³), and enhanced soil pH (7.1) and oxidizable organic carbon (1.2–1.3%) compared with T₅ and unamended control (T₆) after a two-year transition period. However, the N, P and K levels were highest in the plots under integrated management. T₁ plots showed higher dehydrogenase activity values. However, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities were higher in T₆ plots whereas urease activity was greater in T₅ plots compared with other treatments. Among the treatments involving organic amendments alone, T₁ gave a higher gross margin (US $ 8237.5 ha⁻¹) than other treatments. We conclude that T₁ was found more suitable for enhancing bell pepper growth and yield, through improved soil properties, during conversion to organic production.     

Effects of nutrient solution electrical conductivity and sulfur, magnesium, and phosphorus concentration on sesquiterpene lactones in hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

The effect of nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) and sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) levels on the content of the primary sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), lactucin, 8-deoxylactucin, and lactucopicrin, in hydroponically grown lettuce was assessed. Lettuce grown at 4 EC levels (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 dS m⁻¹) displayed significant differences in leaf area index, number of leaves, plant height, fresh weight per plant, and chlorophyll content that were highest at EC 2.0 dS m⁻¹. Lactucin (5.5 μg g⁻¹ dry weight), 8-deoxylactucin (7.5), lactucopicrin (35.8), and total SLs (48.7) concentraions were highest at EC 0.5 dS m⁻¹. Four S (8, 16, 48, and 80 mg L⁻¹) and Mg (6, 12, 36, and 60 mg L⁻¹) levels and 3 P (8, 16, and 48 mg L⁻¹) levels were assessed for their effect on individual and total SLs. S and P had the greatest effect on SL levels. Plants in the lowest S level had significantly higher lactucin, lactucopicrin and total SLs. Each of the SLs was higher in the highest P level while Mg influenced only the lactucopicrin level in a quadratic manner. The results indicate that solution culture conditions can strongly influence the SL concentration and therefore bitterness and acceptability of lettuce.     

Orange varieties as interstocks increase the salt tolerance of lemon trees

Summary

We investigated the ability of interstocks to increase salt tolerance in lemon trees. We compared 2-year-old ‘Verna’ lemon trees [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.; VL] grafted on Sour Orange (C. aurantium L.; SO) rootstock either without an interstock (VL/SO), or interstocked with ‘Valencia’ orange (C. sinensis Osbeck; VL/V/SO), or with ‘Castellano’ orange (C. sinensis Osbeck; VL/C/SO). Trees were grown under greenhouse conditions and supplied with nutrient solutions containing 0, 30, or 60 mM NaCl. Reductions in leaf growth caused by salt treatment were greatest in non-interstocked (VL/SO) trees, followed by VL/C/SO trees, and were the least in VL/V/SO trees. Although the levels of Cl^? and Na⁺ ions in the roots and stems were not affected by either interstock, leaf concentrations of Cl^? and Na⁺ were higher in VL/SO trees than in VL/C/SO or VL/V/SO trees, suggesting that an interstock in Citrus trees could limit the uptake and transport of such ions to the shoots. Saline-treated VL/SO trees also tended to have the lowest shoot:root (S:R) ratios; so, overall, there was a negative relationship between S:R ratio and leaf Cl- ion concentration. Leaf transpiration (E_leaf) may also be involved in the reduction in leaf Cl^? concentration, as interstocked trees had lower E_leaf values at mid-day than non-interstocked trees. Salinity increased leaf concentrations of Ca²⁺ in VL/C/SO trees and increased both leaf K⁺ and N concentrations in all trees, regardless of interstock. Salinity reduced leaf water potentials and osmotic potentials, such that leaf turgor was increased in all trees.     

Phosphorus toxicity in the Proteaceae: A problem in post-agricultural lands

South African Proteaceae are adapted to the low soil phosphorus (P) concentrations of the Cape Floristic Region. The efficient P uptake by Proteaceae means that these plants experience phosphorus (P) toxicity at lower rhizosphere [P] than crop plants. This is only problematic when cultivating Proteaceae (and many plants from this region) on previously agricultural land with high residual soil [P]. In this study we hypothesize that P toxicity will result in element imbalances in leaves of Proteaceae and information from this study aims to facilitate ameliorative treatments. Phosphorus toxicity was induced on-farm in Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ (Proteaceae) with subsequent mapping of element distribution in non-necrotic leaf tissue using micro particle-induced X-ray emission spectrometry. Phosphate supply up to 0.01 mM in a fertigation solution resulted in increased stem length of Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ while P concentrations in excess of this resulted in decreased stem length, increased leaf [P] up to 0.25% (w/w) and, between 1 mM and 5 mM P supply, typical P toxicity symptoms were observed. High P supply (5 mM P) resulted in increased leaf [P] in most leaf tissues including the epidermis, where calculations from an equilibrium speciation model indicated that there was 30% more dissolved PO₄³⁻ in the epidermis compared to leaves at low P supply (0 mM added P on soil with 34 mg P kg⁻¹). Concomitantly, bundle sheath and epidermal [Ca] were reduced and 10% more Ca was predicted to be adsorbed and precipitated as hydrapatite at high P supply. High P supply resulted in increased leaf [Cl] and [Mn] in all tissues studied; decreased total leaf [Fe], bundle sheath, xylem, phloem and epidermal [Fe] and decreased total leaf [Zn] and xylem and phloem [Zn]. The observed symptoms of P toxicity in Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ (necrosis in some plants, chlorosis and leaf rosetting) co-occurred with (1) excess PO₄³⁻, which may bind Ca in the epidermis (leading eventually to necrosis); (2) reduced [Fe] and increased [Mn] (leading to chlorosis) and (3) reduced total and vascular [Zn] (leading to leaf rosetting).     

Effect of foliar applied phosphatic fertilizer on absorption pathways, yield and quality of sweet persimmon

Pot and field experiments were conducted to identify nutrient absorption pathways, growth, yield and quality of sweet persimmon using ³²P tagged fermented mono-calcium di-hydrogen phosphate (FMCP) and normal FMCP fertilizer, respectively. In pot experiment, lower surface treated leaf absorbed higher amount of radionuclide phosphorus than upper surface treated leaf and phosphorus absorption increased with the increase in duration. The highest radioactive phosphorus absorption obtained was 8.88 × 10⁴ and 3.57 × 10⁴ Bq/g dry weight of leaf against dorsal and ventral treated leaf surfaces at 96 h after fertilizer application. During experimentation, stomata were closed from 2 to 10 h after application of FMCP fertilizer and nutrient absorption was higher in the lower surface than the upper surface. As a result, phosphorus was absorbed through cuticle by diffusing in aqueous pores in lower surface of leaf. Alternate day and night (24–96 h), lower surface also performed higher amount of phosphorus absorption than upper surface of leaf due to stomatal activity and aqueous pores because lower surface contains higher number of stomata than upper surface of sweet persimmon. It may be concluded that aqueous pores as well as stomata can be important pathways for the absorption of foliar applied FMCP fertilizer. In field experiment, foliar application of normal FMCP fertilizer increased the vegetative growth, number of effective flowering buds and decreased insect–disease infestation of sweet persimmon over control. Sweet persimmon yield increased due to the fact of decreasing trend of fruit dropping by foliar fertilization. Maximum fruit number (1110 and 1449 per tree) was observed in T₄ (foliar spray @ 7.5 ppm P of FMCP fertilizer) and T₅ (alternate foliar spray of 10 and 7.5 ppm P of FMCP fertilizer) treatments in 2005 and 2006, respectively. In T₄ and T₅ treatments, the average fruit yield increased by 153.0 and 211.4 kg tree⁻¹ in 2005 and 2006 over control, respectively. FMCP fertilizer gave maximum fruit yield in T₄ and T₅ treatments in 2005 and 2006, respectively and it differed from other foliar treatments including control. Treatment T₅ increased fruit hardness (2.32 kg/Ø 5 mm), ⁰brix content (14.0%) and reduced acidity (0.018%) in 2005. These results allow us to infer that foliar application of FMCP fertilizer was not only augmenting the fruit yield of sweet persimmon but also improved the quality of produce.     

Comparison of the responses to NaCl stress of two pea cultivars using split-root system

Two pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars were compared: cv Lincoln and cv Douce de Provence. Seedlings grown for 14 d on standard medium were challenged for 21 d with salt using a split-root system. This protocol allowed salt-treated plants to absorb nutrients through a part of their root system maintained in control medium (C), the other part of the root system being placed in medium added with 75 mM NaCl (S). Full salt treatment (S/S) resulted in severe but non-lethal growth inhibition, high concentration of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in leaves, and decrease in leaf K⁺ and chlorophyll contents. The two latter effects were more pronounced in Lincoln than in D. Provence. Growth inhibition was partially (Lincoln) or totally (D. Provence) alleviated in S/C configuration, and K⁺ content was less diminished than in full salt treatment. S/C treatment mitigated Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation in Lincoln, but not in D. Provence. Thus, in the latter cultivar, growth inhibition by salt in S/S condition likely did not result from excessive Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation in leaves. Increased electrolyte leakage from leaf tissues evidenced damages to leaf cell plasma membrane of both cultivars in S/S condition. However, damages to chloroplasts, as inferred from chlorophyll loss, were much pronounced in Lincoln than in D. Provence. Antioxidant enzymic activities in leaves were measured as proxies for oxidative stress. Catalase activity was stimulated by S/S treatment in both cultivars, but superoxide dismutase (Fe and Cu/Zn isoforms) and gaiacol peroxidase activities were augmented only in Lincoln. The absence of superoxide dismutase activity stimulation by salt in D. Provence could signify either that constitutive activity was sufficient to ensure protection against oxidative stress, or that intrinsic salt tolerance of this cultivar mitigated cellular oxidative stress. Thus, intraspecific variability for salt response exists between pea cultivars presenting similar growth sensitivity to salt.     

The inhibition of flowering by means of gibberellic acid application reduces the cost of hand thinning in Japanese plums (Prunus salicina Lindl.)

The application of gibberellic acid during flower bud induction significantly reduced flowering of ‘Black Diamond’ and ‘Black Gold’ Japanese plums. The response depended on the concentration applied and on the type of shoot. Mixed shoots had a similar response in both varieties, flowering being reduced by 40% for GA₃ 50 mg l⁻¹ and by 75–90% for GA₃ 75 mg l⁻¹ or higher concentration. With regard to spurs, GA₃ 50 mg l⁻¹ reduced flowering intensity by 40% and 25% in ‘Black Gold’ and ‘Black Diamond’, respectively, and GA₃ 75 mg l⁻¹ or higher concentration reduced flowering by 70% and 50%, respectively. This partial inhibition of flowering significantly reduced the cost of manual thinning. The best GA₃ concentration was found to be 50 mg l⁻¹, since it reduced the cost of thinning by 45–47% and increased final fruit weight by 7–33% for ‘Black Diamond’ and ‘Black Gold’, respectively. Not significant differences in yield and in mature fruit characteristics of treated trees were found compared to untreated trees.     

Assessment of tolerance to NaCl salinity of five olive cultivars,based on growth characteristics and Na and Cl exclusion mechanisms

Changes caused by NaCl-induced salinity on several growth parameters and ions accumulation have been measured in five olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars (‘Chemlali’, ‘Chetoui’, ‘Koroneiki’, ‘Arbequina I18’, and ‘Arbosana I43’) growing in a greenhouse in nutrient solution pot experiment. One-year-old plants were transplanted to sand–perlite (1:1) culture, and were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution containing NaCl at various levels (0.5, 50, 100 and 200 mM). Salinity induced significant decrease in growth parameters, but to a different extent in each cultivar. Leaf growth and total leaf area per plant were significantly affected by all salinity treatments in all studied cultivars, being ‘Arbequina I18’ the most sensitive cultivar. Leaf drop phenomenon was observed from 60 days after salt application at high salinity treatments, mainly in Arbequina I18. Contrary to leaf area, leaf thickness increased progressively during the experiment. ‘Chemlali’ developed thicker leaves at the two highest salinity treatments when compared to the other cultivars. Na⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations were higher in roots than in shoots and leaves in most of the cultivars investigated. The effectiveness of Na⁺ exclusion mechanism in the roots differed significantly among studied cultivars, working effectively in ‘Chemlali’ (by inhibiting translocation of Na⁺ to the aerial part) and being much less efficient in ‘Arbequina I18’. Furthermore, leaf abscission can be considered as an additional tolerance mechanism of olive cultivars allowing the elimination of leaves that had accumulated Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. Tolerance to salinity stress was as follows: ‘Chemlali’ > ‘Chetoui’ > ‘Arbosana I43’ > ‘Koroneiki’ > ‘Arbequina I18’. This order of salt tolerance was indicated by lower reduction in plant growth parameters (shoot elongation, trunk diameter, total plant dry weight, internodes length, and total leaf area), the increase of leaf thickness, and by the effectiveness of the exclusion mechanism of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in the root system.     

Improving the fruit yield and quality of cucumber by grafting onto the salt tolerant rootstock under NaCl stress

To investigate the feasibility of using salt tolerant rootstock to increase fruit yield and quality of cucumber under NaCl stress, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine fruit yield, leaf relative water content, fruit quality, and mineral composition of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Jinchun No. 2), either self-grafted or grafted onto the commercial salt tolerant rootstock Figleaf Gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche) and Chaofeng Kangshengwang (Lagenaria siceraria Standl). Plants were grown in a substrate culture (peat:vermiculite:perlite = 1:1:1, v/v) and irrigated with half-strength Hoagland solutions containing 0, 30, or 60 mM NaCl. The results showed that salinity significantly reduced fruit yield of cucumber owing to a decrease both in mean fruit weight and fruit number. Rootstock had no significant effect on leaf relative water content. Plants grafted onto Figleaf Gourd and Chaofeng Kangshengwang had higher fruit number, marketable and total fruit yield than those of self-grafted plants under 0, 30, and 60 mM NaCl, which could be attributed to, at least in part, the higher K⁺ but lower Na⁺ and/or Cl⁻ contents in the leaves. Salinity improved fruit quality by increasing fruit dry matter, soluble sugar, and titratable acidity contents of all the plants, but had no significant effect on vitamin C content. In comparison to the self-grafted plants, plants grafted onto Figleaf Gourd and Chaofeng Kangshengwang had an overall improved fruit quality under NaCl stress owing to an increase in contents of soluble sugar, titratable acidity, and vitamin C, and a decrease in the percentage of non-marketable fruit and Na⁺ and/or Cl⁻ contents of fruits in comparison to the self-grafted plants, mainly under 60 mM NaCl. Overall, it is suggested that the use of salt tolerant rootstock could provide a useful tool to improve fruit yield and quality of cucumber under NaCl stress.     

Effect of the culture environment on stomatal features, epidermal cells and water loss of micropropagated Annona glabra L. plants

Shoots of Annona glabra L. were rooted in vitro under three levels of irradiance and two closure systems (conventional and natural ventilation) of the culture vessels. Once the shoots had been rooted, we studied how the manipulation of the culture environment affects the stomata features and water loss through leaf tissues after the plants are removed from the vessel. The stomata frequency increased significantly in the leaves of plants grown under high (300 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) compared to low (50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) or intermediate (150 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) irradiance, with higher effect under natural ventilation. Irrespective of the culture environment, leaves developed in vitro attained a higher stomata frequency than those grown in vivo. Under high irradiance and natural ventilation, the leaves presented functional stomata of characteristically elliptical shape and the epidermal cells were smaller and had slightly sinuous anticlinal walls. Besides, water loss through leaves of plants grown under high irradiance and natural ventilation was drastically reduced if these plants were exposed to an environment with low relative humidity thereafter. Our results indicate that an increased light availability and the use of natural ventilation improve the regulatory capacity of water loss in micropropagated A. glabra L. plants and can favor the plants’ survival and growth after transference to the natural environment.     

Responses of eight chile peppers to saline water irrigation

Salt tolerance of five cultivars of Capsicum annuum L. Early Jalapeno, Golden Treasure, NuMex Sweet, NuMex Joe E. Parker, and Santa Fe Grande, two cultivars of C. chinense Jacq. Habanero and Pimienta De Chiera, and one accession of C. annuum, NMCA 10652, were evaluated in a field study. Seedlings were transplanted in late May to field raised beds containing loamy sand soils in a semi-arid environment. Plants were well irrigated throughout the experiment. Three saline solution treatments, prepared by adding NaCl, MgSO₄, and CaCl₂ to tap water at different amounts to create three salinity levels of 0.82 dS m⁻¹ (control, tap water), 2.5 dS m⁻¹, and 4.1 dS m⁻¹ electrical conductivity (EC), were initiated on 15th June and ended in late August. Among the eight varieties, NMCA 10652 had the highest survival percentage at 100% in the 4.1 dS m⁻¹ treatment, followed by ‘Early Jalapeno’, ‘NuMex Sweet’, ‘Pimienta De Chiera’, ‘Santa Fe Grande’, ‘Golden Treasure’, and ‘NuMex Joe E. Parker’. ‘Habanero’ had the lowest survival at 28%. Compared to control, final shoot dry weight of the plants irrigated with saline solution at 4.1 dS m⁻¹ was reduced by 92% in ‘Habanero’, followed by ‘Golden Treasure’ at 80%. For fruit fresh weight in 4.1 dS m⁻¹ vs. control, ‘Habanero’ had the highest reduction at 86%, followed by ‘Golden Treasure’ at 74%, while NMCA 10652 and ‘Santa Fe Grande’ had the least at 26% and 19%, respectively. NMCA 10652, the most tolerant to salinity, had the lowest leaf Na⁺ accumulation, while ‘Habanero’, the most sensitive to salinity, had the highest Na⁺ in the leaves. For leaf Cl⁻, ‘Early Jalapeno’ had the highest, while ‘Habanero’ had the lowest Cl⁻ accumulation in the leaves. Generally, sensitive varieties accumulated more Na⁺ and/or Cl⁻ in leaves, except for ‘Early Jalapeno’, which was relatively tolerant to salinity but had high Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation in leaves.     

Mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in two rose rootstocks: Rosa chinensis ‘Major’ and R. rubiginosa

The responses of two rose rootstocks Rosa chinensis ‘Major’ and R. rubiginosa were investigated under salt stress. The distribution of chloride and sodium ions in all plant parts was determined. The salt treatments were applied through irrigation water containing 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mM NaCl. Necrosis on the leaves as a result of the NaCl treatments was observed with in rootstocks after two months. Leaf injury was more pronounced in R. chinensis ‘Major’ than R. rubiginosa. The rootstock R. rubiginosa showed a higher tolerance to the NaCl stress than R. chinensis ‘Major’. The survival of the plants under increased NaCl stress as well as the extent of leaf injury could be used in the determination of tolerance of the rose genotypes. The lower older leaves contained higher concentrations of Cl⁻ than the young upper leaves. Leaf samples had higher concentrations of Cl⁻ than stem samples taken from the same positions. The roots contained higher amounts of Cl⁻ than the stem samples. The plants accumulated higher amounts of Cl⁻ in comparison with Na⁺. The lower leaves of R. chinensis ‘Major’ had higher amounts of Na⁺ than in all other parts whereas R. rubiginosa had higher concentrations of Na⁺ in the roots than in all other parts.     

Changes in oxidative damage, antioxidant enzyme activities and polyamine contents in leaves of grafted and non-grafted eggplant seedlings under stress by excess of calcium nitrate

The effect of 80 mmol L⁻¹ stress by excess of calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] on biomass production, oxidative damage, antioxidant enzymes activities and polyamine contents in leaves of grafted and non-grafted eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seedlings were studied, in which grafted plants were grafted on a salinity tolerant rootstock (Solanum torvum Swartz). The results showed that on the 15th day of treatment, the biomass production reduction of non-grafted seedlings was significantly higher than that of grafted seedlings. Under stress by excess of Ca(NO₃)₂, superoxide anion radical (O₂⁻) producing rate, electrolyte leakage percentage, contents of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of non-grafted seedlings were significantly higher than those of grafted seedlings, but activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) of grafted seedlings were significantly higher than those of non-grafted seedlings, moreover, contents of free, soluble conjugated and insoluble bound polyamines of grafted seedlings were significantly higher than those of non-grafted seedlings, and activities of diamine oxidase (DAO, EC 1.4.3.6) and polyamine oxidase (PAO, EC 1.5.3.3) of grafted seedlings were significantly lower than those of non-grafted seedlings. The possible roles of antioxidant enzymes and polyamines in protective mechanism of grafted eggplant seedlings to stress by excess of Ca(NO₃)₂ were discussed.     

Analysis of xylem water as an indicator of current chloride uptake status in citrus trees

The potential use of stem xylem chloride (Cl⁻) analysis as an indicator for sudden variation in Cl⁻ uptake by the tree was examined. Three extraction techniques (xylem sap extracted by centrifuge, and water extraction of fresh or dry ground xylem) were linearly correlated to each other as well as to soil salinity. Chloride values in xylem sap extracted by centrifugation were about half (3–34 mM) of those found in water extraction of fresh or dry ground xylem (9–84 mM), reflecting some Cl⁻ accumulation by existing living cells. Based on dry ground xylem, xylem Cl⁻ concentration was not affected by time of day; however, when centrifuge extraction was used, daily values were highest at the beginning and end of the day, and lowest during mid-day. Additionally, Cl⁻ concentration was not affected by stem thickness (5–25 mm) using the dry ground extraction method. Rootstock affected xylem Cl⁻ content in the same way it affected leaf Cl⁻ content; xylem Cl⁻ content was highest for trees grafted on salt-sensitive rootstocks and vice versa. As opposed to leaf analysis in which Cl⁻ concentration can only increase with time, xylem Cl⁻ content always followed soil salinity variation, either increasing or decreasing. Thus, analysis of stem xylem water can be a valuable tool for detecting short-term variation in Cl⁻ uptake. This method is important in trees since leaf analysis reflects the cumulative Cl⁻ content and therefore does not always give the current transitory mineral uptake status.