Preliminary study of genetic diversity in Swedish flax (Linum usitatissimum)

To investigate the genetic diversity of Linum usitatissimumL. in Sweden, 18 accessions, including 13 cultivars and five landraces, were analysed. This study was based on genetic variation in three enzyme systems (i.e., PGD, GPI and MDH) by using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The total genetic diversity of the studied flax material was very high (H _T= 0.62). Even though the highest genetic diversity lies within the accessions (G _ST= 0.07), a clear differentiation between fibre and oil flax was found with respect to three polymorphic loci (Pgd-1, Gpi-2 and Mdh-1). A phenogram, based on Nei's genetic distances between the accessions studied, showed five clearly defined groups but with low variation within the groups. The unexpected high genetic diversity found within accessions in the studied flax material may indicate that flax is more outbreeding than earlier believed.     

Seed germination and seedling growth parameters in nine tall fescue varieties under salinity stress

ABSTRACT

To assess seed germination parameters and identifying tolerant varieties, seeds of nine tall fescue varieties (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were germinated under various salinity levels for 14 days. Tall fescue is considered ‘moderately tolerant’ to salinity stress, but our study revealed a remarkable diversity among the tested varieties. Armani, Essential, Fatcat, and Starlett were found to reach the same final germination (>90%), irrespective of NaCl concentration up to 15 ds m^?1 NaCl; Asterix and Meandre expressed lower germination under the highest salinity level (>75%); and final germination decreased in Eyecandy, Rhizing star, and Thomahawk gradually with increasing salinity (>55%). The main effect of increasing salinity was a delay in germination, and our study suggests that the recording of final germination, which is performed on day-14 in a standard germination test, should be postponed in order to understand the full effect of salinity on germination potential. Nonetheless, a delay in germination will affect turf quality negatively and hence there is good reason to test for salinity tolerance when choosing a variety for sowing on saline soil. Further, our findings indicate a future perspective for breeding for improved salinity tolerance in tall fescue by the identification of salinity-tolerant breeding lines or varieties.     

Impacts of different water salinity levels on salt tolerance,water use,yield, and growth of chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

ABSTRACT

Using saline irrigation water for crop production continues to gain more importance year by year, especially in regions where freshwater resources are very scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of six water salinity levels (0.38 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 dSm^?1) on salt tolerance, evapotranspiration, and yield of chives under a rain shelter. The experiment was laid out in pots using a randomized plot design with four replicates of each treatment. Leaf fresh-dry weights, plant height, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiencies of chive plants were significantly affected by increasing levels of salinity. The results revealed that chives can be classified as a salt-sensitive crop with a threshold value of 1.13 dSm^?1 and relative yield decreased by 6.19% per unit increase of soil salinity. In conclusion, with appropriate leaching management practices, irrigation water with 0.38 dSm^?1 salinity level is recommended for chives production.     

Variation of cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L. subsp.usitatissimum) and its wild progenitor pale flax (subsp.angustifolium (Huds.) Thell.)

The domestication of cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L. subsp.usitatissimum) is briefly discussed. Using data documented as a matter of routine in genebank work, 63 accessions of cultivated flax from the flax germplasm collection of the Gatersleben Genebank are compared with 73 accessions of its wild progenitor pale flax (subsp.angustifolium (Huds.) Thell.), which have been observed in systematic field trials. Range of variation, genetically based variation, heritability and correlation of several characters are considered, especially with respect to the influence of domestication. Cultivated flax shows higher variation in the characters of generative plant parts, while pale flax varies more in the vegetative parts of the plant. The character correlations are similar in both subspecies. Of the 29 characters studied in pale flax the parameters describing tillering, height of plant, weight of seeds, width of petals and width of leaves are especially suitable for distinguishing between different accessions. In spite of the high heritabilities of most of the characters, the influence of the environment is significant in most cases.     

Growth response and ion homeostasis in two bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) cultivars differing in salinity tolerance under salinity stress

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a salinity-tolerant turfgrass that has good use potential in the saline-alkali lands of warm regions. However, the systematic Na⁺ and K⁺ regulation mechanisms under salinity stress remain unclear at the whole plant level. Two bermudagrass cultivars differing in salinity tolerance were exposed to 0, 50, 100, 200, or 300 mM NaCl in a hydroponic system. Growth, absorption, transportation, and secretion of Na⁺ and K⁺, and gas exchange parameters were determined in both cultivars. K⁺ contents were decreased and Na⁺ contents and Na⁺/K⁺ ratios were increased in both bermudagrasses with increased salinity; however, lower Na⁺ content and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and more stable K⁺ content were found in the leaves of the salinity-tolerant ‘Yangjiang’ than the salinity-sensitive ‘Nanjing’. Higher Na⁺ contents in root cortical cells were found than in the stele cells of ‘Yangjiang’, but the opposite was observed in ‘Nanjing’. Lower Na⁺ contents and higher K⁺ contents were found in vessels for ‘Yangjiang’ than for ‘Nanjing’. Salinity stress increased the selective transport of K⁺ over Na⁺ from roots to leaves and the Na⁺-selective secretion via salt glands, which were stronger in ‘Yangjiang’ than ‘Nanjing’. Net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased in the two bermudagrasses with increased salinity; however, they were more stable in ‘Yangjiang’. The results suggested that bermudagrass could reduce Na⁺ accumulation and maintain K⁺ stability in leaves under salinity stress by restricting Na⁺ into vessels in roots, selectively transporting K⁺ over Na⁺ from roots to leaves, selectively secreting Na⁺ via leaf salt glands, and maintaining suitable stomatal conductance.     

盐胁迫对玉米发芽和苗期生长的影响

通过室内培养及盆栽试验，研究了不同浓度NaCl胁迫对玉米种子发芽和幼苗生长的影响。结果表明，≤0．5g／L NaCl处理有利于提高玉米种子萌发率、发芽率和根、芽的伸长及根数的增加。随盐胁迫浓度的增大，玉米种子萌发率、发芽率急剧下降，根芽伸长及根数极受抑制，0．5g／L NaCl可能是影响玉米种子发芽的临界浓度。用≥0．5g／L NaCl的盐溶液长期灌溉会因土壤中盐分累积而使玉米生长受阻，成活率下降，幼苗在形态上表现出盐害效应。用自来水（0．1g／L NaCl）处理的玉米幼苗在植株干重、根系干重、含水量等5个指标都较其它处理达显著水平，说明用低盐浓度（0．1g／L NaCl）灌溉可促进玉米生长发育，提高产量。     

不同苜蓿品种种子发芽对盐胁迫的响应

[目的]针对内蒙古西部地区草地土壤盐碱化,选择盐碱土壤的主要成分NaCl和Na_2SO_4配成混合盐溶液进行室内发芽试验,筛选适合当地种植的耐盐苜蓿品种,为内蒙古西部盐碱草场的苜蓿种植提供理论依据。[方法]将NaCl和Na_2SO_4按摩尔浓度1∶1,用蒸馏水配成含盐量0.0%,0.2%,0.4%,0.6%,0.8%,1.0%,1.2%,1.4%,1.6%,1.8%,2.0%共11个梯度盐溶液,对25个苜蓿品种进行发芽试验,测定种子发芽率、相对发芽指数、种子相对简易活力指数,进行耐盐类型的划分。[结果]轻度盐分胁迫(0.2%和0.4%盐浓度)促进了苜蓿种子发芽,提高了种子的发芽率、相对发芽指数、种子相对简易活力指数;不同苜蓿品种间种子发芽的适宜盐浓度、半致死浓度、极限浓度差异较大。多数苜蓿品种的种子发芽适宜盐浓度是0.0%~0.6%,半致死盐浓度为0.8%,中草3号高达1.4%;极限盐浓度在1.0%~2.0%。[结论]综合聚类分析和种子发芽指标的表现得出,中草3号、新苜2号品种表现出较强的耐盐性,属于耐盐品种,magnumV-wet、赤草1号耐盐性较差,属盐敏感品种     

Seed Treatment to Overcome Salt and Drought Stresses During Germination in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Although safflower is drought and salt tolerant, it is susceptible to drought and salinity at the germination and seedling stages. Priming techniques have been used to overcome salinity and drought tolerance at germination stage. Osmopriming potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and hydropriming were used to determine drought [by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000 at water potentials of 0, ?0.3 and ?0.6 MPa] and salt electrical conductivity (EC) (values of the sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions were 0, 6 and 12 ds.m^?1) tolerance of primed seeds of safflower. Germination index, shoot/root ration, germination uniformity, days to 50% germination (D50) and abnormal germination percentage were measured. Treatment 0f seeds with hydropriming increased germination index, shoot/root ration and germination uniformity, while decrease days to 50% germination under salt and water stress. Seed treated with KNO₃ reduced abnormal germination percentage in salt stress. KNO₃ improved germination uniformity and germination index of the low water potentials. As salinity increased, germination index and shoot/root ration were decreased, while germination uniformity, days to 50% germination and abnormal germination percentage were increased. Hydropriming enhanced germination under both salt and drought stresses and non-stress conditions. Therefore, hydropriming could be used to improved seed performance of safflower under saline and drought stress. This treatment dose not needs expensive chemicals or sophisticated equipment.     

Seed priming in nanoparticles of water treatment residual can increase the germination and growth of cucumber seedling under salinity stress

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate the impact of the nanoparticles of water treatment residuals (nWTRs) and salt stress on germination and growth parameters of cucumber seedling. The interaction between three nWTRs treatments (0, 500, and 1000 mgL^?1) nWTRs and five saline solution (fresh water: sea water) treatments had 0.70, 2, 3, 6, and 11?dSm^?1 were studied. The results revealed that increasing salinity levels significantly reduced the percentage of germination (GP) for the primed seeds treated in fresh water and nWTRs. The GP reduction was higher in seeds primed in fresh water compared to which primed in nWTRs. Salt stress negatively affected radicle length of cucumber seedling for both priming treatments. However, this impact was more pronounced for the primed seeds treated in fresh water than which treated in nWTRs at high salinity stress. Priming in nWTRs significantly decreased the root radius of cucumber seedlings, and the1000 mgL^?1 priming treatment obtained a lowest value of radicle radius. Increasing salt concentration in culture medium reduced total biomass of cucumber seedling, however for the primed seeds treated in nWTRs, the total biomass was increased in comparison with which treated in fresh water. Salt tolerance and vigor indices were significantly (p?<?0.01) affected by salinity levels, nWTRs treatments and their interaction. It can be concluded that nWTRs are ameliorating materials for plant growth under salt stress conditions.     

Alleviation of salinity stress in rice plant by encapsulated salt tolerant plant growth promoting bacteria Pantoea agglomerans strain KL and its root colonization ability

ABSTRACT

The present investigation indicates the effects of 0 to 8% NaCl stress on plant growth promoting traits such as ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate) deaminase, phosphate solubilization, IAA (indole acetic acid), ammonia and exopolysaccharide production of Pantoea agglomerans strain KL isolated from salt-stressed soil of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. We have studied the effect of encapsulated inoculum (EI) and free inoculum (FI) of P. agglomerans strain KL on the alleviation of salinity stress (100 mM NaCl) and promotion of rice plant growth in the pot experiment. The present study showed significant improvement in plant growth supplemented with EI in terms of increased length, biomass, photosynthetic pigment and decreased level of proline, malondialdehyde. Furthermore, EI supplemented plant exhibited decreased sodium and increased calcium and potassium uptake. Root colonization study revealed the survival of encapsulated organism which was less after 10 days. However, a significant number of colony forming unit were noted after 20 and 30 days. In addition, the scanning electron microscopic analysis of salt-stressed plant root showed tremendous root colonization by EI. Hence, the present study demonstrates the potency of P. agglomerans strain KL in the expression of plant growth promoting traits and amelioration of salt stress by EI.     

Effects of salinity stress on growth indices,physiological parameters and element concentration in Banebaghi (Pistacia sp.) as rootstock for pistachio

Banebaghi is considered a natural hybrid in Pistacia genus that can be used as rootstock for pistachio. In order to study the effects of salinity stress on growth indices, physiological parameters and element concentration in Banebaghi, an experiment was arranged as a factorial in completely randomized design (CRD). Factors were salinity of irrigation water (0, 60 and 120 mM of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, respectively), growth type (mutica growth type and pistachio growth type) and stem height (stem height lower half of the plant and stem height upper half of the plant) with four replications. Our results showed that salinity reduced vegetative parameters, SPAD index, leaf relative water content (RWC) and water use efficiency (WUE). Shoot dry weight of seedlings in both heights, decreased at the salinity level of 120 mM, at about 60% compared with control. At the highest level of salinity (120 mM), seedlings with a height lower half of the plant had lower reduction in the fresh and dry weight of the root and showed more resistance to the salinity stress because of maintaining RWC of leaves and high levels of potassium and calcium in the shoot. Salinity increased sodium (Na) concentration of shoot and root in both growth types: mutica and pistachio. Seedlings with pistachio growth type and a height upper half of the plant and seedlings with mutica growth type and a height lower half of the plant had more resistance to salinity stress.     

Effect of salt stress on tomato plant and the role of calcium

Abstract

Salinity is one of the serious abiotic stresses that has adverse effects on plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on germination and growth parameters of tomato plant as well as the role of Ca²⁺as an ameliorating agent. 100?mM NaCl and two concentrations of calcium (5 and 10?mM) were applied to tomato seeds and seedlings. This study was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a total of six treatments each comprising of three replicates. The application of 100?mM of NaCl delayed the germination time by 27.6%, reduced the seedling length and seedling vigor by 24.33% and germination stress tolerance by 27.6% as compared to control. Salinity also reduced the plant growth (root and shoot length, root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight, membrane stability, relative water content and leaf area), whereas the application of calcium mitigated the negative effects of salinity on germination and growth to a greater extent. With increased calcium concentration, growth and germination increased significantly both alone and in the salt-affected plant. 10?mM calcium showed best results and enhanced the promptness index by 20.7%, seedling length and vigor by 15.1% and GSI by 20.7%. It also improved root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight, relative water content and leaf area. Similarly, 5?mM calcium also increased plant height and membrane stability index. The present study suggests that application of Ca²⁺ enhanced the growth of tomato plant under saline conditions.     

Contrasting response to salt stress of two salinity tolerant creeping bentgrass clones

Two creeping bentgrass clones having contrasting salinity tolerance collected from a salinity tolerant population were examined for growth responses and ion uptake under NaCl stressed conditions. The two clones showed differences in dry weight partitioning and morphological changes under salt stress. The clone with greater salt tolerance has greater ion partitioning differences in Na, Na/K and Cl levels between organ tissues.     

Effect of halotolerant endophytic bacteria isolated from Salicornia europaea L. on the growth of fodder beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under salt stress

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of selected halotolerant endophytic bacteria isolated from the roots of Salicornia europaea on the growth parameters of Beta vulgaris under different concentrations of salinity. Two endophytic strains were selected as inocula for the pot experiment: Pseudomonas sp. ISE-12 (B1) and Xanthomonadales sp. CSE-34 (B2). Surface-sterilised seeds were incubated in the bacterial inoculation suspensions before sowing and cultivated in a sterile mixture of sand and vermiculite (1:1). Six salinity treatments were taken into account: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. Inoculation of seeds with B1 and B2 positively affected germination percentage and germination index and shortened mean germination time, which led to a quickening of the growth stages of seedlings. After 42 days inoculated plants had, in general, a greater root length, higher dry biomass, lower tissue water content and lower specific leaf area compared with the control. While the positive effect of B2 bacteria was visible only at low salinity, strain B1 stimulated plant growth at higher salinities (200 and 300 mM NaCl). We suggest that the superior growth promotion observed for B1 may be related to the higher metabolic activity of these bacteria.     

盐胁迫对蒙古黄芪种子萌发与幼苗生长的影响

[目的]分析蒙古黄芪种子在不同浓度NaCl,Na_2SO_4和NaHCO_3处理下的种子萌发和幼苗生长情况,为蒙古黄芪在盐碱地的引种、驯化和种植提供理论依据。[方法]通过发芽盒进行种子萌发出苗试验,测定分析蒙古黄芪种子在不同浓度NaCl,Na_2SO_4和NaHCO_3处理下的萌发率、发芽势、相对盐害率及其苗根长、苗高及根茎比。[结果](1)蒙古黄芪种子在NaCl0.2%,Na_2SO_40.6%和NaHCO_30.3%的盐胁迫下能够正常发芽,萌发率和发芽势均高于对照,在大于此浓度的盐胁迫下萌发率和发芽势均开始下降。(2)蒙古黄芪种子在NaCl0.6%,Na_2SO_40.8%和NaHCO_30.3%时的相对盐害率为负值,促进种子萌发,大于此浓度时,相对盐害率为正值,抑制种子萌发。(3)蒙古黄芪幼苗的茎长、根长及根茎比随着盐浓度的增大而增大,当NaCl和Na_2SO_4浓度分别在0.4%和0.6%时,黄芪幼苗的茎长和根长达最大,NaHCO_3浓度分别在0.6%和0.3%时,黄芪幼苗的茎长和根长达最大,超过此浓度黄芪幼苗的茎长和根长开始减小;当NaCl,Na_2SO_4和NaHCO_3浓度分别为0.6%,0.8%和0.3%时根茎比达最大,分别为1.658,1.709,1.291,超过此浓度,根茎比开始下降,但均大于1。[结论]蒙古黄芪在NaCl0.6%,Na_2SO_40.8%和NaHCO_30.3%的盐胁迫下种子和幼苗能够正常萌发和生长。     

不同盐胁迫条件下微生物菌剂对土壤盐分及苜蓿生长的影响

为研究微生物菌剂对盐碱土的改良效果以及筛选较为耐盐的苜蓿品种,通过室外盆栽试验,研究了不同盐胁迫下微生物菌剂对土壤盐分和苜蓿生长状况的影响,并探讨了盐胁迫微生物菌剂苜蓿品种三者之间的交互作用。结果表明:微生物菌剂对020cm土壤脱盐率有显著影响,与不加菌剂处理相比脱盐率提高9.04%;盐胁迫对不同苜蓿品种生物量有显著影响,表现为随盐胁迫的增加生物量下降;不同苜蓿品种之间的耐盐性差异显著,其中劳博品种最为耐盐,保定次之,三得利最差。因此,盐胁迫下微生物菌剂、耐盐苜蓿品种对于降低土壤盐分以及促进苜蓿生长具有良好调控效果。     

Seed vigor and boron and calcium nutrition influence oilseed rape germinability and seedling growth under salt stress

The beneficial effects of boron (B) and calcium (Ca) nutrition on pea seed germinability under salinity stress have recently been shown. However, nothing is known about the influence of seed vigor status on these results, especially in oilseed rape as an important oil crop worldwide. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of seed vigor, boron and calcium nutrition on seed germinability, seedling growth, and some biochemical characteristics of oilseed rape seedlings under salinity. In spite of promotive effects of application of both boron and calcium nutrition on oilseed rape germinability and seedling growth, there was a more significant promotion on germination rate of high vigor seeds. Proline content and guaiacol peroxidase activity of seedlings were significantly increased by adding supplemental boron to the medium compared to the control. Finally, it can be concluded that boron and calcium nutrition would improve the salt tolerance capability of oilseed rape seedlings from vigorous seeds, at least in the early plant development.     

水稻生长、根系生理特性和ABA含量的基因型差异与耐盐性的关系

为进一步揭示不同基因型水稻耐盐性差异的生理机制,探明盐胁迫初期根部激素ABA对水稻耐盐性的调控机理。于2009年10月～2010年2月在严格控制水、温、光和营养元素供应的国际水稻研究所人工气候室进行水培试验。结果表明,盐胁迫条件下耐盐基因型（IR651）相对于敏感基因型（IR29）保持了更高的生物量,稀释了植株体内盐分离子的浓度而减轻盐胁迫。两水稻基因型盐胁迫条件下对盐分的总吸收量并无明显差异,IR651根部较强的耐盐性和较大的生物量可以储存更多的Na+,从而减少Na+向地上部的转运量。盐胁迫初期IR651根部ABA的大量合成是叶片蒸腾速率显著降低的主要原因,从而抑制了盐分离子的大量吸收,大大减轻了盐胁迫初期大量盐分离子吸收对植株造成的不可恢复性伤害。可见,盐胁迫条件下耐盐基因型较大的生物量、根的生理特性以及盐胁迫初期ABA的特有调控都大大增强了其耐盐胁迫性能,是耐盐基因型相对敏感基因型有更强耐盐胁迫能力的重要原因。     

Barley growth,yield, antioxidant enzymes,and ion accumulation affected by PGRs under salinity stress conditions

Application of plant growth regulator (PGR) may alleviate some negative effects of environmental stresses such as salinity. A controlled environment experiment was conducted to study barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Reyhane) growth, yield, antioxidant enzymes and ions accumulation affected by PGRs under salinity stress conditions at Shiraz University during 2012. The treatments were PGRs at four levels—water (as control), cycocel (CCC, 19 mM), salicylic acid (SA, 1 mM), and jasmonic acid (JA, 0.5 mM)—and four salinity levels—no stress (0.67 dS m^?1, as control), 5, 10, and 15 dS m^?1, which were arranged in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replicates. The results showed that salinity stress significantly decreased plant height, peduncle length, leaf area, ear length, grain number, dry weight, grain yield, harvest index, potassium (K⁺) accumulation, and potassium/sodium (K⁺/Na⁺) concentration ratio, which were closely associated with stress severity. However, PGRs compensated some of these negative effects, so that SA foliar application had the most ameliorative effect. Salt stress also increased Na⁺ accumulation as well as the activity of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Since ion discrimination and enhanced antioxidant enzymes are associated with salt tolerance, in this experiment PGRs application might have enhanced K⁺ accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity. The activity of SOD and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio were found to be useful in salt tolerance manipulation in barley plants.