Maternal salinity environment affects salt tolerance during germination in Anabasis setifera: A facultative desert halophyte

The effects of maternal salinity and light incubation on the salinity tolerance of the facultative halophyte Anabasis setifera during their germination stages were assessed. Seeds were collected from non-saline habitats in Egypt and saline habitats in the United Arab Emirates(UAE). The seeds of the two populations were germinated in 0, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 m M Na Cl, and incubated at 25°C/15°C in both 12-h light and 12-h darkness regimes and continuous darkness. Significantly more seeds germinated in the Egyptian population than in the UAE population. Salinity tolerance was significantly greater with the Egyptian population than with the UAE population, especially under the conditions of higher salinities. The difference in salinity tolerance between the seeds of two populations was attributed to their seed mass. In addition, germination was significantly faster for the Egyptian population than for the UAE population. Most of the saline treated seeds were able to recover their germination when transferred to distilled water, but this depended on their maternal salinity and light incubation. Recovery from higher salinities was significantly better for the seeds under darkness than for those under light in the UAE population, but the reverse was true for the seeds in the Egyptian population. The higher salinity tolerance for the A. setifera seeds from the non-saline Egyptian population and the lower salinity tolerance for the seeds from the saline UAE population cannot explain their natural distribution. Further studies about other possible roles, such as levels of different promoting and inhibiting phytohormones, are needed to understand the importance of salinity as an environmentally induced maternal effect.     

温周期、贮藏时间和盐分对短毛柽柳种子萌发的影响

短毛柽柳(Tamarix karelinii)是分布于盐渍化沙地和重盐碱地的灌木。为了阐明短毛柽柳种子的萌发特性,设置不同的温周期、储藏时间和盐分梯度,采用室内控制实验研究这些因子对种子萌发的影响。结果表明:1短毛柽柳种子在4个温周期中均具有高的萌发率,并且温周期温度越高,种子的萌发速率越快。2室温贮藏1个月显著提高种子的萌发速率,在贮藏6个月内,种子的最终萌发率都能达到100%。3≤0.8 mol·L~(-1)的Na Cl溶液对种子的最终萌发率无显著影响,而≥1.0 mol·L~(-1)的溶液则抑制种子的萌发,且随着浓度的增加,种子的最终萌发率呈下降趋势,直至为0。将1.0~4.0 mol·L~(-1)溶液中没有萌发的种子,转移至蒸馏水继续培养后,仍有71.67%~28.00%的种子恢复萌发率,表明种子具有较强的耐盐性。对短毛柽柳种子萌发特性的研究,为短毛柽柳的种苗培育提供基础资料。     

Eco-physiological studies on desert plants: germination of Halothamnus iraqensis Botsch. seeds under different conditions

With the aim to investigate if the halophyte Halothamnus iraqensis Botsch. can be suitable for re-vegetation and remediation of salt-affected lands, this study evaluated(1) the effects of photoperiod, thermoperiod, storage period and wings' presence on its seed germination, and(2) the ability of its seeds to have successful germination recovery after salt stress. Germination tests in different photoperiods(12 h light/12 h darkness and total darkness) and thermoperiods(15℃/20℃ and 20℃/25℃) were conducted for seeds collected in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The seeds collected in 2016 were sown under different salinity levels(0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 m M Na Cl) to assess the salinity tolerance during the germination. Wings' presence highly inhibited seed germination of this species in both photoperiods and thermoperiods under all salinity level treatments. In addition, the germination recovery occurred well when seeds were deprived of their wings. The photoperiod of 12 h light/12 h darkness and the thermoperiod of 15℃/20℃ were the best conditions for seed germination. Germination percentages of H. iraqensis seeds decreased with the increasing storage duration, especially after three years of the collection. In addition, H. iraqensis seeds were able to germinate under different salinity levels, and their germination percentages decreased with increasing salinity levels. H. iraqensis seeds have the ability to recover their germination after alleviating the salt stress, irrespective of photoperiod, highlighting the halophilous character of this species.     

Germination strategies of annual and short-lived perennial species in the Arabian Desert

Germination timing is highly regulated in short-lived plant species since it strongly influences recruitment success of vegetation. In deserts, the spatiotemporal distribution of plant-available water is highly episodic and unpredictable, making winter months more favorable for seed germination when other abiotic conditions co-occur. We hypothesized that changes in photoperiod and thermoperiod would impact germination more in seeds that had undergone in situ storage. We assessed 21 annual and short-lived perennial species in the Arabian Desert to find (1) if seeds were dormant at maturity, (2) if in situ seed storage increased germination percentage compared with no storage, (3) if photoperiod and thermoperiod germination requirements were influenced by in situ storage, and (4) if a phylogenetic association in seed germination could be observed. Seeds of each species collected in early 2017 were divided into two batches. One was tested for germination within one week (fresh seeds). The other was stored in situ at the maternal location (stored seeds) until October 2017 and tested for seed germination in the first week of November. Seed germination was conducted in incubators at two thermoperiods (15°C/20°C and 20°C/30°C; 12 h/12 h), and two photoperiods (12 and 0 h light per day). Results indicated that seed germination percentages of 13 species were significantly enhanced by in situ storage. A thermoperiod response was exhibited by stored, but not fresh seeds. Light exposure increased germination of fresh seeds but had only a minimal effect on stored seeds. Germination traits exhibited no phylogenetic correlation. This result indicated that selection pressure for germination strategy was stronger than that for taxonomic traits of these desert species.     

Effects of water stress and NaCl stress on different life cycle stages of the cold desert annual Lachnoloma lehmannii in China

For a plant species to complete its life cycle in arid and saline environments, each stage of the life cycle must be tolerant to the harsh environmental conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of water stress (water potentials of -0.05, -0.16, -0.33, -0.56, -0.85 and -1.21 MPa) and NaCl stress (50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mmol/L NaCl) on seed germination percentage, seedling survival and growth, juvenile growth and plant reproduction of Lachnoloma lehmannii Bunge (Brassicaceae), an cold desert annual that grows in the Junggar Basin of Xinjiang, China in 2010. Results indicated that low water stress (-0.05 and -0.16 MPa) had no significant effect on seed germination percentage. With a decrease in water potential, germination percentage decreased, and no seeds germinated at -0.85 and -1.21 MPa water stresses. Germination percentage of seeds was significantly affected by NaCl stress, and higher germination percentages were observed under non-saline than saline conditions. An increase in NaCl concentrations progressively inhibited seed germination percentage, and no seeds germinated at ≥400 mmol/L NaCl concentration. Non-germinated seeds were transferred from both PEG (polyethylene glycol-6000) and NaCl solutions to distilled water for seed germination recovery. The number of surviving seedlings and their heights and root lengths significantly decreased as NaCl stress increased. About 30% of the plants survived and produced fruits/seeds at 200 mmol/L NaCl concentration. Thus, seed germination, seedling establishment and reproductive stage in the life cycle of L. lehmannii are water- and salt-tolerant, with seedlings being the least tolerant. These tolerances help explain why this species can survive and produce seeds in arid and saline habitats.     

青海云杉种子萌发特性

以天祝县青海云杉天然种群种子为研究对象,通过对种子生活力测定,分析种子萌发对温度、光照、水分和盐分胁迫的响应,为引种提供参考数据。结果表明：① 种子的生活力为72%。② 在黑暗条件下,温度小于10 ℃种子不萌发,最适萌发温度25/15 ℃(72%);种子在24 h黑暗和24 h光照条件下的萌发率显著高于14 h光照/10 h黑暗。③ 当NaCl胁迫浓度为50 mmol·L^-1时,可促进种子萌发,当胁迫浓度大于50 mmol·L^-1时,抑制种子萌发;胁迫解除后,随着胁迫浓度的增加,恢复萌发率(RGR)先增加后减小,胁迫浓度为400 mmol·L^-1时,RGR达到最大值13%。④ 随着PEG-6000试剂胁迫渗透势的增加,种子萌发显著减少,在-0.9 MPa时,种子不能萌发;胁迫解除后,RGR先增加后减少,在-0.9 MPa时,达到最大值35%。     

盐和PEG模拟干旱胁迫对沙米种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

研究不周浓度盐溶液(NaCl、MgSO4、盐渍土壤)和PEG模拟干旱胁迫对沙米种子吸胀、萌发和幼苗生长的影响,并观察胁迫解除后种子的反应.结果表明:随着NaCl、MgSO4和PEG浓度的升高,沙米种子吸胀率先升后降,种子萌发率呈现不同程度降低,盐渍土壤溶液对萌发率没有显著影响;对沙米种子萌发和幼苗生长的胁迫效应是NaC...     

Inter-population variabilities in seed mass and germination of Panicum turgidum and Pennisetum divisum in the desert of Kuwait

Understanding variability in seed germination among populations is essential for planning an effective germplasm collection for restoration and conservation purposes.The knowledge of germination and dormancy patterns among populations of desert grasses is crucial for determining the potential of the species and populations to be used for restoration and conservation as well as forage production.Variability in seed germination of Panicum turgidum Forssk and Pennisetum divisum(Gmel.)Henr.in the desert of Kuwait was evaluated in different populations in May 2017.Experiment of seed germination(25 seeds and 4 replicates)was conducted for each population at night/day temperatures of 15℃/20℃and 20℃/30℃under the following light condition:continuous darkness or 12 h/12 h light/dark.Results showed that seed masses of both species strongly varied according to their seed provenances,and both species produced heavier seeds in population with a higher soil electrical conductivity.Seed germination percentage considerably varied between two species,and the variation in P.turgidum was greater(17%–49%)than that of P.divisum(72%–93%).Germination percentage in P.turgidum was greater at high temperature(20℃/30℃)than at low temperature(15℃/20℃).However,temperature regimes had no effect on germination percentage of P.divisum seeds.Mean germination time of both species exhibited significant inter-population variability.This result is especially relevant to assure the selection of the best population of each species and the regeneration success of the species.Besides this,inter-population variability also provides valuable information for enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate seed germination and how they might be related to seed provenance.     

Environmental maternal effects on seed morphology and germination in Sinapis arvensis (Cruciferae)

Pioneer plants are adapted to grow in unpredictable environments. These plants have evolved several traits related to seed morphology and germination to cope with this unpredictability. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of plant identity and maternal environment on seed mass and germination of Sinapis arvensis. This study was undertaken with S. arvensis plants grown in four experimentally manipulated resource availability scenarios: (i) nitrogen addition, (ii) water addition, (iii) nitrogen and water simultaneously added, and (iv) control. Plants grew under field conditions in an emerging plant community. Germination response was mainly affected by maternal plant identity. This reflects not only genotype quality but also phenotypic plasticity, which allows adaptation to habitat conditions. Seed coat colour together with mean seed mass per plant explained significant fractions of the variability in germination rate. Changes in the germination response because of maternal environmental effects were also detected. Germination rate decreased in seeds from nitrogen‐enriched conditions; this may be due to the induction of dormancy caused by high concentration of nitrogen in the seeds. Addition of water to maternal environment caused a decrease in total germination percentage and germination rate of seeds. Thus, our results provide evidence for maternal environmental effects on germination under field conditions. Furthermore, changes in germination timing, as detected in our study, may determine plant development and fitness in unpredictable conditions.     

Seed biology of Mikania micrantha in Viti Levu,Fiji

Mikania micrantha (mile‐a‐minute) reproduces both by seed and vegetatively. A study to determine the possible pollinators, seed production rates, temperature and salinity limitations to germination and its seedbank size and persistence was conducted in Viti Levu, Fiji. Representatives of the Diptera had the greatest percentage of all floral visits (38%), followed by Hymenoptera (34%) and Lepidoptera (27%), while the honeybee was the most recurring visitor (18% of all visits). Flower heads (capitula) within the inflorescence commonly formed four viable seeds, resulting in 60 820 filled seed being produced per m². However, the seedbanks formed were not massive (600 seed m^?2) and they were moderately persistent (T₅₀: 1–3 years). Seed germination from both high and moderate rainfall regions occurred rapidly, under a wide range of temperature regimes, with no primary dormancy being observed. This study indicates that the seed reproductive success of M. micrantha in the two rainfall regions of Fiji is due to a number of factors, including the production of large numbers of flowers, successful pollination by local insects and the subsequent production of a large number of viable seeds. These seeds have high viability, no dormancy and are capable of forming small‐to‐medium seedbanks that are moderately long‐lived. In addition, seeds can germinate under a wide range of temperature and salinity conditions. This knowledge on seed production, biology, longevity and salt tolerance is vital in the development of management plans of M. micrantha in Fiji.     

长枝木霉T6菌株对小麦耐盐性的影响

利用NaCl溶液模拟盐胁迫条件,测定了长枝木霉T6菌株耐盐性及其对小麦耐盐性的影响。结果表明:当NaCl溶液浓度为30~50 mg·m L~(-1)时,其对长枝木霉T6菌株生长具有显著的抑制作用,并且其影响作用随着NaCl溶液浓度的升高而增强,随着处理后培养时间的增加而逐渐减小,但当NaCl溶液浓度为10、20 mg·m L~(-1)时,与对照相比其对长枝木霉T6菌株生长无显著影响,且表现出较强的耐盐性;长枝木霉T6菌株对NaCl溶液胁迫下小麦种子的发芽率、发芽势、萌发指数、胚芽和胚根长度具有明显的促生作用,且与对照相比分别增加了3%~15%、6%~14%、4%~16%、9%~34%和9%~31%。因此,长枝木霉T6菌株具有较强的耐盐性和解盐促生作用。     

Seed germination ecology of creeping mannagrass (Glyceria acutiflora) and response to POST herbicides

Creeping mannagrass is a perennial grass weed widely distributed in China and is becoming increasingly problematic in nurseries and landscapes in some regions. Understanding the germination ecology and response to commonly available POST herbicides of this weed is critical to determining its adaptive capabilities and potential for infestation, and assist in the development of effective control strategies. In the light/dark regime, creeping mannagrass germinated over a wide range of temperatures (15/5 to 30/20°C), with maximum germination at 20/10°C (95%). No seed germinated at 35/25 or 10/0°C. The time required for 50% of maximum germination increased as temperature decreased. Compared with the light/dark conditions, germination was slightly stimulated when seeds were placed in the dark. Creeping mannagrass is moderately tolerant to osmotic and salt stress, which had 53 and 50% germination rates at ?0.6 mPa osmotic potential and 200 mM NaCl concentration, respectively. Seedling emergence of the seeds buried at a depth of 0.5 cm (86%) was higher than those sowing on the soil surface (17%), but declined with burial depth increasing. There were no differences in the emergence rates from a burial depth 0.5–2 cm. Few seeds (4%) could emerge when seeds were sowed at a depth of 8 cm. POST application of haloxyfop‐R‐methyl, quizalofop‐p‐ethyl, sethoxydim, and pinoxaden provides 100% control of creeping mannagrass at the three‐leaf to five‐leaf stages. To achieve 80% control with clodinafop‐propargyl, mesosulfuron‐methyl, and fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl, herbicides had to be applied at the three‐leaf stage.     

Germination behaviour of Cenchrus pauciflorus seeds across a range of salinities

Cenchrus pauciflorus (field sandbur) is an annual weed native to South America and Africa that has become an invasive plant in farmland and pastures around the globe. It forms two types of seeds that are different in shape and mass, defined as big seeds (M) and small seeds (P). This study examined effects of salinity and seed type on germination efficiency of C. pauciflorus. Increased concentration of salinity solutions (NaCl, Na₂SO₄ and Na₂CO₃) reduced germination rate and final germination percentage (FGP) of both seed types, while prolonging the mean final germination time (T_FG). M seeds tolerated salinity levels below 400 mmol (NaCl), 350 mmol (Na₂SO₄) and 300 mmol (Na₂CO₃), while P seeds tolerated salinity levels below 350 mmol (NaCl), 250 mmol (Na₂SO₄) and 150 mmol (Na₂CO₃). Furthermore, M seeds were less sensitive than P seeds, confirmed via increased germination rate (61%, 42% and 40%), FGP (36%, 29% and 26%), and shorter T_FG (37%, 19% and 16%) in NaCl, Na₂SO₄ and Na₂CO₃ solutions respectively. Moreover, the germination threshold values of M and P seeds were 426 and 365 mmol for NaCl, 354 and 264 mmol for Na₂SO₄ and 308 and 149 mmol for Na₂CO₃ respectively. These results add to our understanding of the germination strategy of different seed types of C. pauciflorus. This information on germination ecology may indicate a potential to invade regions with little or no salt stress.     

不同环境因素对节节麦萌发的影响

节节麦Aegilops tauschii Coss.是麦田难治杂草,研究环境条件对节节麦发芽的影响对预测其适生区域及综合治理有重要意义。以采自陕西、山东和河南的3个节节麦种群为对象,通过室内和室外萌发试验研究了水势、pH、盐分和播种深度与节节麦萌发的关系。结果表明,3个节节麦种群在不同的环境条件下表现出相似的萌发及出苗特性,其萌发对水势敏感,发芽率随水势的下降而降低,当渗透势小于-1.0 MPa时,种子不萌发;节节麦萌发对pH要求不高,在pH 3～10条件下发芽率均超过70%;其萌发具有一定的耐盐性,盐浓度为0 mmol/L时,发芽率最高,盐浓度大于420 mmol/L时,节节麦不能萌发;节节麦出苗率随播种深度的增加而降低,播种在土壤表面时,出苗率最高,播种深度大于10 cm时,未发现节节麦出苗。3个节节麦种群发芽对上述不同环境因子的反应差异不显著。     

Evaluating and Modeling of the Seedling Growth Ability of Wheat Seeds as Affected by Shallow-Saline Groundwater Conditions

The adverse effects of shallow-saline groundwater may vary among crucial growth stages of crops by decreasing crop growth and productivity. The present study aimed to assess the germination and seedling growth ability of wheat seeds grown in four different (0.38, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 dSm^?1) groundwater salinities (GWS) and three (30, 55, and 80?cm) groundwater depths (GWD) condition. To achieve this aim, wheat crops were grown in drainable lysimeters under rain shelter conditions until the maturity stage, and then wheat seeds were harvested from various saline groundwater conditions. Afterward, wheat seeds were germinated to identify the performance of germination and seedling growth attributes. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal growing wheat seeds condition, which had high early seedling growth performance. The results showed that the seedling growth performance of wheat seeds increased with increasing GWDs, while decreased with increasing GWSs. Based on the RSM findings, we suggest that GWD and GWS should be at least 42?cm and at most 5.46 dSm^?1, respectively, for sustainable higher wheat yield and seed quality. Finally, this study could provide considerable information for selecting strong and healthy wheat seeds grown under shallow saline groundwater conditions.

     

Effects of sodium on nitrate uptake and osmotic adjustment of Suaeda physophora

Na+ ions play an important role in the growth of halophyte. The effect of Na+ ions on nitrate uptake and osmotic adjustment in the euhalophyte Suaeda physophora was investigated under glasshouse conditions. Seedlings were exposed to 1 mmol/L NaCl (control),300 mmol/L NaCl,150 mmol/L NaCl plus 150 mmol/L KCl or 300 mmol/L KCl treatments for 24 d. Dry weight was not affected greatly by different salt treatments,but water content and succulence in leaves of S. physophora were significantly increased at 300 mmol/L NaCl and 150 mmol/L NaCl plus 150 mmol/L KCl treatments. The concentrations of Na+ and NO3’ in leaves of S. physophora were the highest at 150 mmol/L NaCl plus 150 mmol/L KCl,but lowest at 300 mmol/L KCl treatment. Moreover,the increase of NO3’ concentration did not result in the decrease of Cl-concentration at 150 mmol/L NaCl plus 150 mmol/L KCl treatments. The estimated contribution of NO3’ to osmotic potential (CNO3) in leaves of S. physophora was 9.8% at 150 mmol/L NaCl plus 150 mmol/L KCl,and CNa and CCl were 31.0% and 23.3%,respectively. However,CNO3,CNa and CCl were respectively 1.6%,7.9% and 11.9% at 300 mmol/L KCl treatment. It is concluded that Na+ stimulates NO3’ absorption and the stimulation is independent on the internal or the external Cl-concentration in the euhalophyte S. physo-phora. These characteristics may explain the high levels of N in leaves of saline desert plants in arid ecosystem.     

种子引发对盐渍土壤条件下高粱芽苗生理特性的影响

为探索引发种子对不同盐渍土壤条件下高粱芽苗的生理效应,增强高粱芽苗期的耐盐能力,采用盆栽沙培试验,将氯化钠和硫酸钠复配引发(CSP)、氯化钠单独引发(SSP)和不引发(NSP)处理后的高粱种子分别播种在0、40、80、120 mmol·L-1和160 mmol·L-1盐溶液漫灌的细沙盐渍土壤条件下,研究上述各种状态下种子萌发和幼苗生理特性。结果表明:种子引发可提高盐胁迫下高粱的发芽率、成苗率和活力指数,尤其是盐复配引发(CSP)效果更为明显;引发后的种子(特别是CSP)可显著减少中、高盐胁迫条件下叶片和根系相对含水量的下降幅度,减缓叶绿素a+b、叶绿素a的下降;氯化钠和硫酸钠复配引发(CSP)下净光合速率在盐浓度低于80 mmol·L-1时下降幅度较小,气孔导度和蒸腾速率与之变化趋势基本一致;种子引发增强了SOD、POD、CAT和APX活性,同时减少了MDA和O·2,其中MDA、O·2和POD反应较为敏感,三种种子引发处理对高粱芽苗期抗氧化系统的影响效应表现为:复配引发(CSP)单盐引发(SSP)不引发(NSP)。盐渍土壤条件下种子引发,特别是氯化钠和硫酸钠复配引发种子可增强其生理适应性,进而提高高粱芽苗期的耐盐性。     

节节麦小穗上不同粒位种子萌发对环境因子的响应

为明确节节麦小穗上不同粒位种子萌发对环境因素的响应差异, 采用培养皿法测定了小穗基部小花形成的第1粒种子(S1)和相邻上部位置小花形成的第2粒种子(S2)萌发对酸碱胁迫?盐胁迫和水分胁迫的响应?结果显示:S1和S2萌发均对pH要求不高, 但在供试pH为3~10时, S2的萌发速率大于S1?与S1相比, S2萌发具有较强的耐盐性, 在不同盐浓度下, S2发芽率相对较高, 而S1的发芽率随着盐浓度的升高显著降低?此外, 盐胁迫对S1和S2的萌发速率有一定影响, 两者的萌发速率均随着盐浓度的升高而降低, 但S2较S1萌发快?水分胁迫对节节麦S1和S2萌发均有抑制作用, 但S2萌发对水分胁迫的耐受性显著高于S1, 在渗透势为-1.28~-0.69 MPa时S1的发芽率达到最大发芽率的50%, 而S2在渗透势为-1.75~-1.56 MPa时发芽率达到最大发芽率的50%?此外, S1和S2的萌发速率均随着渗透势的下降而降低, 但S2的萌发速率大于S1?以上结果表明, 节节麦种子萌发过程中第2粒位种子S2比第1粒位种子S1更具有耐受环境胁迫的能力?     

Effects of environmental factors and burial depth on seed germination and emergence of two populations of Caucalis platycarpos

Caucalis platycarpos is a weed species in irrigated and dry land farming systems in East Azerbaijan and Kermanshah provinces of Iran. Experiments were undertaken to compare C. platycarpos seed germination and emergence of a population from each province over a range of environmental factors, burial depth and crop residue treatments. The Azerbaijan population required lower temperatures (20/10°C day/night temperature) for its highest (90%) germination, compared with the Kermanshah population (88% germination at 25/15°C day/night temperature). In both populations, germination was 84–90% over a wide range of light/dark periods (10–24 h light), but considerable reduction (up to 42%) occurred under continuous darkness. The osmotic potential required for 50% inhibition of germination was ?0.54 and ?0.40 MPa for Azerbaijan and Kermanshah populations respectively. The NaCl concentration of 8.83 and 5.71 dS m^?1 caused 50% inhibition of germination in Azerbaijan and Kermanshah populations respectively. The X₅₀ parameter (the burial depth at which emergence is reduced by 50%) for Azerbaijan and Kermanshah population was 2.18 and 2.86 cm respectively. Crop residues had more inhibitory effects on the Azerbaijan than Kermanshah population. Adaptive differentiation of C. platycarpos populations has also resulted in smaller seeds of the Azerbaijan compared with the Kermanshah population and resulted in higher emergence for Kermanshah population seedlings from greater soil depths. These results suggest that differences in germination requirements, drought and salinity tolerance of C. platycarpos populations are correlated with environmental conditions of the habitats of the studied populations.     

Growth and leaf chemistry of Atriplex species from Northern Mexico as affected by salt stress

Atriplex species are tolerant to salinity and water stress and thus they are suitable for restoration of many degraded ecosystems. In addition, many Atriplex species offer good value as forages. We compared growth and leaf chemistry of Atriplex canescens, a well-known halophyte, and A. acanthocarpa, a poorly-studied species, as affected by salinity in a greenhouse study. Seeds and soil were collected in northern Mexico, the native range of these species. Plants were grown in pots containing native soil and irrigated with NaCl solutions of 0, 50, and 100 mM. Shoot growth of A. canescens declined 37% as NaCl treatments increased from 0 to 100 mM while shoot growth of A acanthocarpa was not significantly affected by salinity. The high salt tolerance of A. acanthocarpa was linked to a high accumulation of leaf sodium (Na) (7- to 13-fold higher than A. canescens). A. acanthocarpa had also higher growth rate than A. canescenes, making the former species a good candidate for cultivation, especially under saline conditions. Tissue concentration of potassium (K) in both species was minimally affected by the salinity treatments. Leaf nitrogen (N) concentration increased as plants faced higher salinity treatments, especially in A. canescens. The high salt tolerance and higher Na accumulation of A. acanthocarpa make this species an attractive choice for reclamation of saline areas. We suggest A. acanthocarpa should be explored as viable forage for cultivation and for reclamation of degraded areas just as A. canescens has been throughout the world.