Mechanism of salt tolerance in the grass species,Anneurolepidium chinense

The salt-tolerant grass plant, Anneurolepidium chinense, is commonly used for grazing in Northeast China and Inner Mongolia. The plants were grown in water culture and salt tolerance was evaluated in a greenhouse. The plants survived upon exposure to 500 mM NaCI salinity and developed stolons to produce daughter plants. Under 100 and 200 mM NaCI salinity, the plants accumulated mainly K+ to maintain the osmotic pressure of the young leaf blades. Betaine and reducing sugars were also the major constituents of the solutes that accumulated under saline conditions.     

Effects of nitric oxide and nitrogen on seedling emergence,ion accumulation,and seedling growth under salinity in the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa

Recently nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a key signal molecule in plants. However, little is known about the role of NO in the salt tolerance of halophytes. Effects of the NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nitrate (NO ) on growth and ion accumulation in the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa under salinity were investigated in the present study. The results showed that higher SNP supply increased seedling emergence, but SNP had no effect on shoot growth and the concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^–, and NO . Higher NO had no effect on seedling emergence of the species. Shoot Cl^– decreased, but NO₃^– increased markedly, with a higher NO supply. The decrease in the estimated contribution of Cl^– to the osmotic potential was compensated for by an increase in that of NO . It appears that NO plays an important osmotic role in S. salsa under high salinity with a higher NO supply, and this trait may increase salt tolerance of the species under high salinity.     

Cyanide production by rhizobacteria as a possible mechanism of plant growth inhibition

Summary Volatile metabolites from a number of rhizosphere pseudomonads prevented lettuce root growth in a seedling bioassay. One of these metabolites was identified as cyanide. Direct contact between rhizobacteria and plant roots produced, with one exception, similar responses. However, not all cyanogenic isolates were plant-growth-inhibitory rhizobacteria. When grown in liquid culture, cyanogenic strains produced an average of 37 nmol HCN ml^–1 over a 36-h period and inhibition of root growth occurred at concentrations as low as 20 nmol ml^–1. Cyanogenic strains introduced into sand or soil also produced HCN. Two cyanogenic strains ofPseudomonas fluorescens, one (5241) a plant-growth inhibitory rhizobacterium and the other (S97) a plant-growth-promotory rhizobacterium, were used to treat bean and lettuce seedlings prior to planting in soil. Lettuce dry weight was reduced by 49.2% (day 28) and 37.4% (day 49) when inoculated with S241 whereas S97 increased growth initially (+64.5% at day 28, no difference from control at day 49). Equivalent figures for inoculated bean plants were: –52.9% and –65.1% (5241); +40.7% and +23.3% (S97). A more detailed experiment using only bean plants confirmed these contrasting affects. Inhibition by S241 was related to consistently higher levels of rhizosphere cyanide in comparison with S97-treated plants and control soils. S241 also survived in the rhizosphere at higher densities and for a longer period of time than S97. The possible contribution of rhizobacterial cyanogenesis to plant growth inhibition is discussed.     

The influence of salinity on the vegetative growth,osmolytes and chloride concentration of four halophytic species

The aim of this work was to study the influence of salinity of the fertigation solution on the vegetative growth, as well as on the osmolytes and chloride concentration of four halophytic species. Results show that the increase of salinity caused the reduction of plant fresh and dry matter in Asteriscus maritimus, while plant dry weight was unaffected by the salinity in Crithmum maritimum, Halimione. portulacoides and Limonium cossonianum. Salinity enhanced root growth of H. portulacoides. Salt-induced succulence was detected in A. maritimus. The translocation of Cl^– to the leaves is an important factor responsible for salt tolerance of A. maritimus and H. portulacoides. However, C. maritimum and L. cossonianum restricted the uptake of Cl^– and excrete salts through the leaves. Crithmum maritimum and H. portulacoides accumulated proline and soluble sugars in leaves which acts as osmoprotectant. Among the species studied, H. portulacoides has the greatest Cl^– phytoextraction efficiency.     

两种盐生植物在南北疆地区的适生性及吸盐能力

为了摸清盐生植物在南北疆改良盐碱地的实际应用效果,更好地利用盐碱植物,在南北疆地区进行田间试验,研究了两种盐生植物在新疆南北疆盐碱地的适应性及吸盐能力。结果表明,盐生植物在南疆的成活率明显高于北疆;而盐地碱蓬成活率明显要高于海篷子;北疆种植的盐生植物其植物体内的总含盐量明显高于南疆种植的盐生植物,其中盐地碱蓬高出约55%,海篷子高出约46%。由此可以看出,盐地碱蓬和海篷子更适合于南疆地区生长,而在北疆环境两种盐生植物吸盐能力均强于南疆环境,海蓬子吸盐能力明显强于盐地碱蓬。     

Effects of seed priming with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on wheat yield and soil properties under contrasting soils

In the present investigation, different strains of Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), namely Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated for their growth-promoting effects on wheat as well as on soil properties under field conditions at two different sites having sandy loam and silt loam type of soils. PGPR strains were evaluated either singly or in consortia. Amongst all the treatments, wheat inoculated with consortia was found most effective as it increased grain yield up to 53% over control in silt loam soil, whereas, corresponding effects in sandy loam soil were less pronounced as an increase of 31% was observed in corresponding treatments, respectively. Enhanced effects on soil properties were also more intense in silt loam as there was an increase of 205% organic matter as against sandy loam soil where this value was 110%.     

Mineral ion composition of halophytes and associated soils in Western Canada

Abstract

The mineral ion contents of seven halophytic species in the family Chenopodiaceae, and associated soils were examined. Each species was found growing in soils with wide ranges of salinity, sodicity and salt ion composition. Absolute concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl and SO₄ in shoot tissue differed significantly among species. Species were classified into two groups: (1) chloride halophytes, with ion composition dominated by Na and Cl (Atriplex patula, Chenopodium rubrum, Salicornia rubra and Suaeda depressa), and (2) alkali halophytes, with relatively high K, Mg, Ca and low Cl contents (Chenopodium salinum, Kochia scoparia and Salsola pestifer). All species accumulated ? and excluded SO₄, relative to concentrations of these ions in soil. Salsola pestifer was unique in strongly excluding Na.     

Salt Stimulation and Tolerance in an Intertidal Stem-Succulent Halophyte

ABSTRACT

Salt tolerance of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C. Koch (Chenopodiaceae), a stem-succulent halophyte most commonly found in the intertidal regions of the provinces of Sind and Balochistan, Pakistan, was investigated. Plants were grown for 125 d at six sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations from 0 to 1000 mM to determine the effects of salinity on ion accumulation, plant water status, and biomass. Shoot biomass was greatest at 200 to 400 mM NaCl, but it was inhibited at salinities of 600 mM NaCl or higher. Tissue water content (g g^?1dry mass) of shoots under 200 to 600 mM NaCl treatments was higher than under the control nutrient solution, equal to the control at 800 mM NaCl, but significantly lower at 1000 mM NaCl than under all other treatments, indicating an increase in shoot succulence at salinity levels up to that of seawater. Ash content increased with added salt, but was about 60% of plant dry mass under all salinity treatments. The Na⁺ and Cl^? concentrations of shoots were significantly higher under 1000 mM NaCl than under the control treatment. These results indicate that A. macrostachyum is salt tolerant and capable of accumulating large quantities of Na⁺ and Cl^? when treated with from 200 to 1000mM NaCl.     

Selective restriction of root to shoot ion transport by cotyledon node zone in Kochia sieversiana may contribute to its tolerance to salt and alkali stresses

This study is aimed to examine if cotyledon node zone may play a role in salt and/or alkali tolerance. Seedlings of halophyte plant Kochia sieversiana and glycophyte plant Lycopersicon esculintum Mill were treated with salt and alkali respectively, xylem sap was collected from above or below cotyledon node zone, and components and contents of inorganic ions in the sap were examined. When compared with that collected from below cotyledon node zone, xylem sap collected from above cotyledon node zone in K. sieversiana contains less Na⁺ under both salt and alkali stresses, and less chloride (Cl^–) under salt treatment. Both Na⁺ and Cl^– remain nearly the same in xylem sap collected from below and above cotyledon node zone in L. esculintum Mill. Cotyledon node zone in K. sieversiana selectively restricted ion transport under both salt and alkali stresses, which may represent a novel mechanism of salt and alkali resistance in halophyte plants.     

NaCl胁迫下外源腐胺和钙对草莓幼苗离子吸收的影响

在150 mmol/L NaCl 胁迫条件下,以达塞莱克特草莓为试材,利用基质盆栽方法研究了外源腐胺和钙对草莓生长、叶片含水量、脯氨酸含量及Ca2+、Na+ 和 Cl- 吸收的影响。结果表明,在营养液中添加14 mmol/L 硝酸钙和叶面喷施 1×10-5 mol/L 腐胺均可提高盐胁迫草莓植株的地上部和地下部干鲜重,提高叶片含水量、脯氨酸含量,抑制 Na+ 和Cl- 的吸收及运输,提高根系和叶片的 K+/Na+ 值和 Ca2+/ Na+ 值,硝酸钙和腐胺同时处理的效果优于单独处理。缺钙条件下,喷施外源腐胺的 K+/Na+ 值和 Ca2+/ Na+ 值显著或极显著低于腐胺加钙处理,Cl- 含量显著高于腐胺加钙处理。外源腐胺对 Na+ 和 Cl- 吸收的调控作用受到 Ca2+ 的调节。     

盐胁迫下硝态氮对囊果碱蓬根系发育和氮吸收的影响

The effiects of NaCl salinity and NO₃^- on growth, root morphology, and nitrogen uptake of a halophyte Suaeda physophora were evaluated in a factorial experiment with four concentrations of NaCl (1, 150, 300, and 450 mmol L^-1) and three NO₃^- levels (0.05, 5, and 10 mmol L^-1) in solution culture for 30 d. Addition of NO₃^- at 10 mmol L^-1 significantly improved the shoot (P < 0.001) and root (P < 0.001) growth and the promotive effect of NO₃^- was more pronounced on root dry weight despite the high NaCl concentration in the culture solution, leading to a significant increase in the root:shoot ratio (P < 0.01). Lateral root length, but not primary root length, considerably increased with increasing NaCl salinity and NO₃^- levels (P < 0.001), implying that Na⁺ and NO₃^- in the culture solution simultaneously stimulated lateral root growth. Concentrations of Na⁺ in plant tissues were also significantly increased by higher NaCl treatments (P < 0.001). At 10 mmol L^-1 NO₃^- , the concentrations of NO₃^- and total nitrogen and nitrate reductase activities in the roots were remarkably reduced by increasing salinity (P < 0.001), but were unaffected in the shoots. The results indicated that the fine lateral root development and effective nitrogen uptake of the shoots might contribute to high salt tolerance of S. physophora under adequate NO₃^- supply.     

Genotypic variations in ion homeostasis,photochemical efficiency and antioxidant capacity adjustment to salinity in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

To determine the genotypic variation in response to salt (NaCl) stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings, potassium (K⁺) and sodium (Na⁺) homeostasis, photochemical energy utility, reactive oxygen metabolism and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were comparatively analyzed in three cotton cultivars (CCRI 49, CCRI 35 and Z 51504) under salt constraint. The results showed that NaCl treatment significantly inhibited biomass accumulation, and the extent of inhibition was highest in CCRI 49 and lowest in Z 51504. Salinity caused an ion imbalance in plants but ion homeostasis was less pronounced in Z 51504, as it accumulated more K⁺ and less Na⁺. Experiments of salt shock treatment were tested using a non-invasive micro-test (NMT) system, which also revealed that Z 51504 had lower Na⁺ influx and better K⁺ retention. Salinity increased excess-energy dissipation [non-photochemical quenching (qN) and photorespiration rate (PR)], but depressed photochemical efficiency such as photosynthesis rate (P_n), quenching (qP), photochemical quantum yield of photosystem (Φ_PSII) and electron transport rate (ETR). As a result, more electrons were driven to other sinks, for example decreasing ETR/P_n and increasing the O₂^? generation rate. However, the superior tolerance of Z 51504 had a better balance of photochemical energy under salt conditions, displayed higher photochemical efficiency and excess-energy dissipation. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme activities were also affected by salt stress and less effectively removed reactive oxygen species. The antioxidant enzyme activities of Z 51504 were higher than those of CCRI 49 and CCRI 35, which resulted in lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigated the salt-induced membrane lipid peroxidation. The overall results indicated that more effective retention of ions, photochemical energy utility and ROS-removing capability were probably the main reasons for the stronger salt tolerance in Z 51504.     

The infrared absorption band of allophane near 1,650 cm-1

In the infrared absorption (IR) spectrum of the water in allophane, two kind of the absorption band within on region is found near 3,450 and 1,650cm^-1 associated with O-H stretching vibration and O-H deformation vibration, respectively. The maximum of IR band associated with stretching vibration in allophane specimens dried under the relative humidity of 30% at the room temperature, was situated at 3,467 cm^-1 for the Misotsuchi and at 3,461 cm^-1 for the Kanumatsuchi (4). The band was shifted to higher wave-number as heating the specimen till 300°C (4). In this note, the situation of IR band associated with O-H deformation vibration of the water adsorbed on allophanes was exactly measured, because it was hardly done in the past.     

Interactive Effect of Fluorescent Pseudomonads Rhizobacteria and Zn on the Growth,Chemical Composition,and Water Relations of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Seedlings under NaCl Stress

The role of fluorescent pseudomonads isolates (pf₀, pf₁, pf₂, and pf₃) and zinc (Zn) (0 and 5 mg kg^?1 soil) interactions in alleviating salinity in pistachio seedlings were investigated. The experiment was conducted following completely randomized design with three replicates. The results revealed that salinity decreased the growth parameters, while application of PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) and Zn increased these parameters. Application of PGPR significantly enhanced phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Zn, Ca/sodium (Na), and K/Na contents, while decreased the accumulation of Na and chloride (Cl). Application of PGPR and Zn increased the phenolic compounds, sucrose, membrane stability index (MSI), and relative water content (RWC) but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) amount. A positive correlation was observed between Zn concentrations with seedling dry weights, phenolic compounds, MSI, and RWC contents. These results indicated that the combined application of PGPR and Zn could be a simple treatment for growth and establishment of pistachio seedlings under Zn deficiency and soil salinity.     

Performance and water requirement of young olives (Olea europaea L.) in the harsh environment of Kuwait

In the harsh environmental conditions of Kuwait, plants are frequently exposed to high temperatures, low relative humidity and drought. Because water resources available for agriculture are limited, an efficient irrigation strategy is vital for sustainable olive production. In view of these facts, a study to determine the behavior and water requirement of young olive plants under Kuwait's environmental conditions was carried out. The investigation included five cultivars (cvs. Arbequina, Barnea, Coratina, Koroneiki and UC13A6) and three levels of irrigation (50, 75 and 100% of ETc) with brackish water (ECe 5.0 dS m^?1). One-year-old grafted plants were used in this study. With the exception of UC13A6, the cultivars showed good adaptation to the harsh weather conditions in Kuwait and to brackish water irrigation during the first 18 months after the beginning of the irrigation treatments. Indeed, they showed good height and shoot growth, with cultivars Barnea, Arbequina and Coratina showing the highest values. Cultivar Barnea was the most vigorous variety under Kuwait's environmental conditions. Vegetative growth in these varieties was not significantly reduced in the 50% ETc treatment. This indicates huge opportunities to improve the water-use-efficiency through further investigations aimed at optimizing the amount of water supplied with irrigation.     

Effect of salt stress on Growth and Ion accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield and nutrient contents may be affected under salinity condition. Thus, this experiment was conducted to determine the effect of three salinity levels (60, 120, and 180 mM NaCl) on shoot and root dry weights, and mineral contents of three alfalfa cultivars. With the increasing salinity levels sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) contents increased; but potassium (K), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) contents and root and leaf weights decreased; however, changes in these traits depended on cultivar and salinity level. However, Rehnani, a tolerant cultivar, had the lowest Na and Mg contents and the highest K, N, P, Ca, Zn, and Cu contents and dry weights under all of the salinity levels. Moreover, leaf dry weight and leaf P content had the highest correlation with salt tolerance suggesting that these traits may be used as a marker for selecting salts that are tolerant among genotypes in alfalfa.     

盐胁迫对柳树新无性系苗木生长和土壤酶活性的影响

通过盐分胁迫下柳树2个无性系的盆栽试验,发现盐分对苗木的成活和生长都有一定的抑制作用。随着盐分浓度的提高,苗高、地上与地下部分生物量都呈下降趋势;盐分的存在同样影响到叶片叶绿素含量和脯氨酸含量的变化。通过回归分析发现,盐分浓度与叶片叶绿素含量之间存在着线性负相关关系,与脯氨酸含量之间存在着抛物线形相关关系。土壤中盐分的增加不仅影响到植物的生长发育,而且对土壤自身的物理、化学性状也产生不良效应。,同时还测定了盆栽土壤中土壤葡糖苷酶和土壤天冬酰胺酶活性的变化。结果表明这两种酶的活性都随土壤中盐分浓度的提高而下降,说明盐分对土壤的理化性状和肥力状况都产生了抑制作用。参试的2个柳树无性系中,W1的耐盐能力强于W2。     

咸水畦灌棉花耐盐性鉴定指标与耐盐特征值研究

为了充分利用浅层地下咸水,通过5 a的咸水畦灌播前造墒大田试验,分析了不同程度盐分胁迫(1(对照)、2、4、6、8、10 g/L)与棉花生长指标和籽棉产量的响应关系,得出不同矿化度咸水播前造墒条件下棉花的耐盐性鉴定指标及耐盐特征值。结果显示,相对出苗率、相对株高、相对叶面积、相对地上部干物质质量、相对果枝数、相对成铃数和相对蕾花铃最大值均可以作为棉花的耐盐性鉴定指标,其中相对株高易于观测,盐害指示效果好,因此作为推荐使用耐盐性鉴定指标。同时,灌溉水矿化度控制在5.48 g/L以下时,咸水造墒连续灌溉5 a后,在产量与对照相比不减产。     

地理加权回归模型结合高光谱反演盐生植物叶片盐离子含量

快速、无损地估算盐生植物叶片盐离子含量在植物生长监测、耐盐植物筛选和土壤盐渍化监测等方面有实用价值。该研究以新疆艾比湖保护区内盐生植物为研究对象,通过分析植物叶片盐离子(K~+、Na~+、Ca~(2+)、Mg~(2+))含量与冠层高光谱数据的光谱变换和二维植被指数(比值型植被指数(ratiovegetationindex,RVI)、差值型植被指数(difference vegetation index,DVI)、归一化型植被指数(normalized difference vegetation index,NDVI))的相关性选取特征波段,构建基于地理加权回归模型(geographically weighted regression,GWR)的叶片盐离子含量估算模型,并与BP神经网络模型(back propagation neural network)进行对比,研究基于GWR模型估算干旱区盐生植物叶片盐离子的可行性。结果表明,选取特征波段集中表现在红及短波红外波段:K~+含量在反射率倒数的对数选取的红光区域内波段使用GWR估算效果最佳;Na~+的特征波段在光谱变换下集中于短波红外区域,二维植被指数集中在近红外、短波近红外及黄、橙、红区域,各种波段选取下GWR对Na~+的含量估算均有较好效果,但反射率对数的一阶估算效果最好;Ca~(2+)含量在反射率平方根的一阶微分下选取的短波红外波段通过GWR模型估算效果最好;Mg~(2+)含量在DVI选取的位于红光区域特征波段估算效果最佳,但使用GWR模型对Mg~(2+)的估算精度不及BP模型。分析基于GWR盐离子模型估算模型发现,含量较高的离子估算效果更好,K~+、Na~+的模型精度优于Ca~(2+)、Mg~(2+)。在使用GWR模型估算植物叶片盐离子含量时,特征波段均指向红及短波红外波段,符合植被光谱机理的响应。