Influence of extreme K:Na ratios and high substrate salinity on plant metabolism of crops differing in salt tolerance

The relation between activity of soluble acid invertase and sucrose content in leaves of young bushbeans (salt sensitive) and sugarbeets (salt tolerant) and ion‐specific effects of salinity environment were investigated. For comparison the response of isolated invertase from both plant species to ion combination and ion concentration was investigated. The plants were grown in water culture under controlled conditions.

In busbean leaves invertase activity decreased while sucrose increased. K⁺ with Cl^‐ as counterion was most effective “in vivo”;. However, there was little change in invertase activity or sucrose content in sugarbeet leaves. Independent of the origin of the enzyme, invertase activity was not affected by either ion concentration or ion combination “in vitro”;. Acid invertase might be a key enzyme in the utilization of carbohydrates. The ionic effect on acid invertase activity and carbohydrate content in intact plant tissue could be a possible indicator of salt tolerance of crops.     

Influence of extreme K:Na ratios and high substrate salinity on plant metabolism of crops differing in salt tolerance

Mineral regulation of two soybean varieties Jackson and Lee was investigated in long term water culture experiments using saline solutions. The effects of extreme K:Na ratios using chloride and sulfate as counterions were studied in the early stages of salinity.

The growth rates of both varieties were not affected by salinization. A K⁺ stimulated, intensive acropetal Cl^‐ translocation was observed in the salt sensitive variety Jackson. The varieties did not differ in Na⁺ translocation and in the suppression of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in the leaves. But the effect of the nature of salinization indicates already differences in Na uptake and translocation of the cultivars.

The avoidance of Cl^‐, but also of Ha⁺, in connection with influences of the resulting ionic imbalance on metabolic pathways are probably the most causative factors for the different tolerance to salinity of the two soybean varieties.     

Interactive Effect of Soil Salinity and Water Stress on Growth and Chemical Compositions of Pistachio Nut Tree

ABSTRACT

The effects of three sodium chloride (NaCl) levels (0, 1200, and 2400 mg kg^{? 1} soil) and three irrigation intervals (3, 7, and 14 d) on the growth and chemical composition of two Pistacia vera rootstocks (‘Sarakhs’ and ‘Qazvini’) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Eight-week-old pistachio seedlings were gradually exposed to salt stress which afterward, water stress was initiated. At any irrigation interval, plant height and shoot and root dry weights of both rootstocks were reduced with increasing salinity. However, increasing irrigation intervals alleviated the adverse effects of soil salinity. A negative relationship observed between relative shoot growth and electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract (EC_e) confirmed the above findings. Under 3-d irrigation interval, the EC_e required to cause a 50% growth reduction was lower than those under 7- and/or 14-d irrigation intervals. Shoot and root chemical analyses indicated that the salinity as well as irrigation regime affected the concentration and distribution of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and chloride (Cl^?) in pistachio. The concentration of Na⁺, K⁺ and C1^? ions increased with a rise in NaCl level, and was generally declined with increasing irrigation interval. Based on plant height, shoot and root dry weights and the concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, and C1^? in the plant tissues, at lowest irrigation intervals ‘Sarakhs’ shows a higher sensitivity to soil salinity than ‘Qazvini’, but with increasing irrigation interval, ‘Sarakhs’ and ‘Qazvini’ can be classified as resistant and sensitive to salinity, respectively.     

Influence of extreme K:Na ratios and high substrate salinity on plant metabolism of crops differing in salt tolerance

Abstract

Ion‐specific initial salt effects due to supply of extreme K⁺, Na⁺, Cl or SO₄ ^2‐ combinations were studied on the carbohydrate pattern as well as on the activity of amylases, phosphorylase and invertase of two soybean varieties, Jackson and the more tolerant Lee.

Reducing sugars were little affected. Salinity increased leaf sucrose more in Jackson than in Lee, and more due to Cl^? than to SO₄ ^2‐ supply. Salinity increased the higher level of root sucrose in Lee less than the lower sucrose level in Jackson, independent of the nature of salination. Salinity increased leaf starch more in Jackson than in Lee. KCl increased leaf starch of Jackson most, Na₂SO₄. least. KCl increased leaf starch of Lee more than NaCl, while K₂SO₄ and Na₂SO₄ tended to decrease leaf starch. Only KCl stimulated amylases and phosphorylase in leaves of Jackson. Salinity changed amylases according to the starch content in leaves of Lee, while phosphorylase decreased independent of the ion combination supplied. Salinity decreased invertase in leaves of Jackson, it affected invertase in Lee only little.

It is suggested that the carbohydrate metabolism dependent and independent of ionic regulation contribute to physiological salt tolerance mechanisms of soybean varieties.     

不同铵钾比对高铵下拟南芥地上部和根系生长的影响

钾在缓解植物铵毒害的过程中起着重要的作用。本文研究了高铵(30 mmol/L)条件下,不同铵钾比(7.5︰1和150︰1)对拟南芥(Col-0)主根、侧根以及地上部生长的影响。结果表明:30 mmol/L NH4+条件下,高铵钾比(150)处理显著加重了拟南芥铵毒害现象,地上部和根系生长所受的抑制作用更为明显并导致更严重的氧化胁迫。相比低铵钾比水平,在高铵处理下,高铵钾比使得拟南芥主根伸长量降低57.4%,侧根数量减少33.3%,而地上部鲜重减轻69.9%。DAB(3,3￠-二氨基联苯胺,3,3￠-diaminobenzidine)叶片染色结果表明,不加铵处理下,外源不同钾水平(0.2和4.0 mmol/L)对拟南芥叶片的氧化胁迫作用没有显著差异;而高铵处理下,相比低铵钾比处理,高铵钾比显著增加了叶片中过氧化氢的含量,加重了其氧化胁迫。伊文思蓝(Evans blue,EB)染色结果表明,不加铵处理下,外源不同钾水平对拟南芥地上部和根部的膜透性没有显著差异,而高铵处理下,高铵钾比显著增强了拟南芥地上部和根部的膜透性,表明其对细胞的伤害程度加重。可见,高铵抑制拟南芥根系和地上部生长,高铵钾比则会加重这种抑制,其原因除了高浓度钾能减少植物对铵的吸收外,可能与高铵钾比条件加剧了植物的氧化胁迫有关。因此,适宜的铵钾比在植物应对铵毒害的过程中发挥重要作用。     

Effect of potassium on uptake and translocation of sodium and potassium in Chinese cabbage under NaCl stress

To investigate the influence of potassium (K⁺) on the salinity tolerance of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis Rupr.) seedlings, the plants were cultured at three K⁺ levels (0, 5, or 10?mM), under normal (0?mM NaCl) and high-salt (100?mM NaCl) conditions. The results indicated that the dry weight of Chinese cabbage increased with the application of K⁺ under salt stress. Addition of K⁺ increased K⁺ concentrations and suppressed sodium (Na⁺) concentration, which eventually increased the K⁺/Na⁺ ratios in roots or shoots. Application of K⁺ enhanced the uptake of K⁺ and suppressed the uptake of Na⁺. Moreover, the ratios of shoot-K⁺/root-K⁺ increased considerably, but the ratios of shoot-Na⁺/root-Na⁺ decreased in response to K⁺ application. It was concluded that the application of K⁺ could enhance the salt stress tolerance in Chinese cabbage because more K⁺ than Na⁺ was absorbed and translocated from roots to shoots.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS WHEAT AND BARLEY CULTIVARS

An experiment with factorial arrangement of treatments on a randomized complete block (RCB) design basis with three replications was conducted in a greenhouse during Spring 2010 to investigate changes in sodium ion (Na⁺), potassium ion (K⁺), Na⁺/K⁺ and to determine proline, protein content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of four wheat and four barley cultivars. Three salt levels {1, control (no salt), 7, and 13 dS m^?1 [2.5 and 5 g salt [sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) in 1:1 ratio] per kg of soil, respectively]} were used in this investigation. Salt stress treatments were applied 4 weeks after planting (at 2 leaf stage). Leaf samples were taken four weeks after imposition of salt treatment. The results showed that salinity caused an increased in proline and protein content, and SOD in all wheat and barley cultivars. The highest proline and protein content of barley and wheat cultivars at all salinity levels were observed in ‘Nimrooz’ and ‘Bam’ cultivars, respectively. At all salinity levels, wheat and barley cultivars ‘Kavir’ and ‘Nimrooz’, respectively, had the lowest Na⁺ content. Barley cultivar ‘Kavir’ and wheat cultivar ‘Bam’ had higher K⁺ and K⁺:Na⁺ ratios. This might be related to salt tolerance in these two cultivars. Wheat and barley cultivars showed differences with regard to proline, protein, and SOD content, Na⁺, K⁺, and K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, indicating existence of genetic diversity among the cultivars. These findings indicated that higher K⁺, K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, proline, protein, and SOD content could be the key factors, which offer advantage to barley over wheat for superior performance under saline conditions.     

Growth-related changes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown under salinity stress

The sensitivity of crop genotypes determines the level of growth reduction by salinity. Effect of salinity levels (7.5 and 15 dihydrate m^?1) using completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications per treatment were compared on germination, chlorophyll content, water potential, ionic sodium and potassium (Na⁺, K⁺) balance, and other growth-related parameters of six wheat genotypes for varietal differences under long-term salinity stress. Chlorophyll contents at flowering stage and yield aspects at maturity of all the wheat genotypes decreased with increasing salinity. The maximum Na⁺ concentration was observed at 7.5 and 15 dS m^?1 in Bhakhar and Saher-2000, respectively, while minimum Na⁺ concentration was observed for 9476. However, the maximum K⁺ concentration and water potential was noticed in 9476 at 7.5 dS m^?1. Careful selection of salt-tolerant genotypes for field crops is an important perspective especially in the developing countries facing salinity problem. Our results revealed that the wheat genotype 9476 performed best regarding growth and physiological parameters compared to other wheat genotypes.     

Effect of Sodium Chloride Levels on Growth,Water Status,Uptake, Transport,and Accumulation Pattern of Sodium and Chloride Ions in Young Sunflower Plants

There is a paucity of information on the critical content, threshold levels, uptake, transport, and accumulation of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) ions in young sunflower plants. Effect of salinity was analyzed in root, stem, leaves, and buds by raising plants in fine sand irrigated with Hoagland's solution and supplemented with 10–160 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) for 30 days. Maximum sensitivity index, reduction in growth, and water content were observed in buds. Maximum Na⁺ and Cl^? contents were obtained in old leaves and stems under low salinity but in roots at high salinity. Uptake, transport, and accumulation rate of Cl^? were more than those of Na⁺, and for both ions they increased with increasing NaCl concentration but decreased with increasing exposure time. Growth reduction at low salinity seems to be because of Cl^? toxicity, but Na⁺ toxicity and water deficiency could also be the causes at high salinity.     

Evaluation of Salt Tolerance and Its Relationship with Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Physiological Parameters of Barley Genotypes

Soil management through the cultivation of salt-tolerant plants is a practical approach to combat soil salinization. In this study, salt tolerance of 35 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes was tested at four salinity levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl in Hoagland nutrient solution) at two growth stages (germination and vegetative). The relationship between salinity tolerance and carbon isotope discrimination (CID) was also accessed. Results of the study carried out under laboratory conditions showed that a negative linear relationship was observed between salt concentration and germination as well as other growth parameters. Some genotypes showed good salt tolerance at germination but failed to survive at seedling stage. However, five genotypes, namely, Jau-83, Pk-30109, Pk-30118, 57/2D, and Akermanns Bavaria showed better tolerance to salinity (200 mM) both at germination and at vegetative growth stage. The salt tolerance of these barley genotypes was significantly correlated with minimum decrease in K⁺:Na⁺ ratio in plant tissue with increase in the root zone salinity. However, the case was reversed in sensitive genotypes. CID was decreased linearly with increase in root zone salinity. However, salt-tolerant genotypes maintained their turgor by osmotic adjustment and by minimum increase in diffusive resistance and showed minimum reduction in CID (Δ) with gradual increase in rooting medium salt concentration. Results suggested that the tolerant genotypes make osmotic adjustments by selective uptake of K⁺ and by maintaining a higher K⁺:Na⁺ ratio in leaves. Moreover, CID technique can also be good criteria for screening of salt-tolerant germplasm.     

Investigative approaches associated with plausible chemical and biochemical markers for screening wheat genotypes under salinity stress

Twenty genotypes of wheat resulting from different crossings between some wheat parental lines were compared for salt stress (control and gradually increasing salinity). Ion content in root, shoot, and flag leaves and also the root and shoot dry weights were measured. Based on these results, eight genotypes among the twenty were selected as susceptible, semi-tolerant, and tolerant genotypes for evaluating their biochemical characteristics. Results indicated that concentration of sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) in shoot, root, and flag leaves of stressed plants were, respectively, higher and lower than that in the non-stressed plants. Overall, salinity stress caused reductions in root and shoot dry weights and relative water content (RWC), but enhancement in pigments content. Concentrations of the total carbohydrate, total protein, and soluble proline were higher in plants under salt stress condition. Salinity stress induced higher production in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and also higher activity of catalase (CAT) and ascorbic peroxidase (APX) as antioxidant enzymes, but lower activity of peroxidase (POD). Genotypes 4s, Arg, and 386dh had generally higher enzymatic activity and other tolerant indices, and hence they can be introduced as tolerant genotypes for more study by the plant breeders. On the other hand, genotype 278s was most susceptible based on the most results.     

局部根系盐胁迫对冬小麦生长和光合特征的影响

通过分根装置设置无盐胁迫(0|0)、局部根系150 mmol-L-1NaCl胁迫(0|150)、全部根系75 mmol-L-1NaCl胁迫(75|75)、全部根系150 mmol-L-1NaCl胁迫(150|150)4种处理,研究根系局部盐胁迫对冬小麦生长及光合特征的影响。结果表明:盐胁迫显著抑制了小麦幼苗的生长,并且随着盐胁迫浓度的增加,小麦受抑制程度加重;根系盐胁迫方式对小麦幼苗生长影响显著,局部根系胁迫处理(0|150)小麦幼苗地上部干重比等浓度150 mmol-L-1NaCl全部盐胁迫处理(150|150)增加23.5%,比等浓度75 mmol-L-1NaCl全部盐胁迫处理(75|75)增加17.2%。在局部根系盐胁迫下,非盐胁迫一侧根系(0|150-0)补偿生长,其根长、侧根数、侧根长比盐胁迫一侧根系(0|150-150)分别增加195.2%、206.2%和237.8%,盐胁迫一侧根系吸收的Na+部分向非盐胁迫一侧根系运输,盐胁迫一侧根系(0|150-150)的Na+含量比全部胁迫处理(150|150)减少12.1%。与全部根系盐胁迫相比,局部根系盐胁迫减少了Na+在叶片中的积累,降低了钠/钾值。局部根系盐胁迫叶片净光合速率、气孔导度、胞间CO2浓度和叶绿素荧光参数(Fv/Fm)均高于同浓度完全盐胁迫处理的小麦幼苗,进而增加地上部和根系的生物量。因此,局部根系胁迫显著缓解了全部盐胁迫对小麦地上部和根系生长的抑制作用。     

EFFECTS OF WATER SALINITY ON GROWTH INDICES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN SOME PISTACHIO ROOTSTOCKS

Pistachio is one of the most important horticultural crops in Iran. The majority of the pistachio producing regions is located in arid and semi-arid areas with saline conditions. Therefore, selection of suitable rootstocks is important for increasing yield efficiency of this important nut crop. In this study, the effect of four water salinity levels (0.75, 5, 10 and 15 ds m^?1) on growth indices and physiological parameters of four Pistacia vera L. rootstocks (Badami-e-Zarand A, Badami-e-Zarand B, Qazvini, and Sarakhs) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. After treatment for three months, leaf dry weight was reduced by about 30-50% at an irrigation water electrical conductivity (EC_w) of 10 ds m^?1. Badami-e-Zarand B was the most vigorous rootstock at the highest EC. Decreases in root and stem dry weight (average of all rootstocks combined) occurred at water salinity of 10 ds m^?1. Chemical analysis of shoot and root indicated that the salinity affected the concentration and distribution of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) in pistachio rootstocks. The concentrations of Na⁺ and K⁺ increased with a rise in water salinity levels. Comparison between Na⁺ concentration of shoot and root showed that all examined rootstocks limited the Na⁺ transportation to shoot tissue up-to 15 ds m^-1, and retained it in the roots. However, this ability was less in the Sarakhs rootstock. Based on measured parameters, Badami-e-Zarand B and Sarakhs could be considered as tolerant and sensitive pistachio rootstocks to water salinity, respectively.     

Fixed ammonium and potassium release from two soils

Abstract

Release of native and added K⁺ and NH⁺ ₄ from two soils was monitored during a 166 day incubation/leaching experiment. One soil (Brookston) represented a major soil series In Ontario whereas the other (Harriston) was suspected having a relatively large fixation capacity. Treatments were imposed involving addition of 50 μM g^‐1 soil of K⁺(KCl) or NH⁺ ₄ (NH₄Cl) only or one added after the other on successive days. The addition of either K⁺ or NH⁺ ₄ on day 2 tended to inhibit the release of the other added on day I. Also the addition of either K⁺ or NH⁺ ₄ on day 1 tended to inhibit the sorption or fixation of the other on day 2. The release rate of K⁺ during the 10 to 166 day period was almost constant and not affected by the addition of NH⁺ ₄. Alternatively, the addition of K⁺ on day 2 slowed the release rate of NH⁺ ₄ measured by NO^? ₃ appearance from day 10 to 40 but had no effect thereafter. At the end of the experiment considerably more K⁺ than NH⁺ ₄ was retained suggesting that K⁺ was more firmly fixed. However, the continuing nitrification of NH⁺ ₄ must be contrasted with periodic removal of K⁺ by leaching with 0.01 M CaCl₂ solution since the equilibrium between exchangeable and fixed ions was affected. There were no notable differences between the two soils inspite of a considerable difference in clay content.     

Growth and acquisition of Na,K and Ca in some elite sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (Lam.) L.] genotypes under salinity stress

Soil salinity is a concern in the wake of climate change challenges due to rising sea levels and coastal salinity in Papua New Guinea. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Split Plot design, with five elite sweet potato genotypes (main-plot factors) and three levels of sodium chlroide (NaCl) concentrations (sub-plot factors) replicated six times. The vine cuttings of genotype RAB 45 showed very low mortality percentage (33%) at 600 mM NaCl concentration. At salinity level of 200 mM NaCl, aerial dry biomass of the genotypes was inversely but significantly (r = –0.40; p < 0.05) related to the accumulation of sodium (Na⁺) in the tissues. The Na⁺ accumulation in the tissues was antagonistic to the potassium (K⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) ions. Among the sweetpotato genotypes, Na⁺/K⁺ ratio decreased in the following order: RAB 45> KAV 11 > Northern Star > DOY 2 > L 46, which was more or less corroborated with the trend in the aerial dry matter.     

Effect of grafting on the growth and ion concentrations of cucumber seedlings under NaCl stress

Abstract

To assess whether grafting raised the salt tolerance of cucumber seedlings by limiting transport of Na⁺ to the leaf and to test whether the salt tolerance of grafted plants was affected by the shoot genotype, two cucumber cultivars (“Jinchun No. 2”, a relatively salt-sensitive cultivar, and “Zaoduojia”, a relative salt-tolerant cultivar) were grafted onto rootstock pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. cv. “Chaojiquanwang”, a salt-tolerant cultivar). Ungrafted plants were used as controls. The effects of grafting on plant growth and ion concentrations were investigated under NaCl stress. Reductions in the shoot and root dry weights, leaf area and stem diameter of grafted plants were lower and concentrations of K⁺ and Cl^? in the leaves were higher than those of ungrafted plants under the same NaCl stress. The Na⁺ concentration and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in scion leaves and in the stems of grafted plants were lower, whereas those in rootstock stems and roots were higher than in ungrafted plants under the same NaCl stress. Shoot and root dry weight, leaf area and stem diameter were negatively correlated with leaf Na⁺ concentrations and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, but were positively correlated with leaf K⁺ concentrations. The Na⁺ concentrations and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio were lower, whereas the K⁺ concentrations in the leaves of grafted “Zaoduojia” plants were higher than those in grafted “Jinchun No. 2” plants under the same NaCl stress. The reductions in leaf area and stem diameter of grafted “Jinchun No. 2” plants were more severe than those of grafted “Zaoduojia” plants. These results indicate that: (1) the higher salt tolerance of grafted cucumber seedlings is associated with lower Na⁺ concentrations and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and higher K⁺ concentrations in the leaves, (2) grafting improved the salt tolerance of cucumber seedlings by limiting the transport of Na⁺ to the leaves, (3) the salt tolerance of grafted cucumber seedlings is related to the shoot genotype.     

Effects of Salinity and Nitrogen on Growth,Contents of Pigments,and Ion Accumulation of a Euhalophyte Suaeda Salsa in an Intertidal Zone and on Saline Inland

The different responses of two populations of Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (saline seepweed) from an intertidal zone and a saline inland zone to salinity [1 or 500 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and nitrogen [N; 0.05, 1, or 10 mM nitrate (NO₃ ^?)‐N] were investigated. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply (10 mM) increased shoot dry weight for the two populations of S. salsa, especially for S. salsa from the saline inland zone. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply (10 mM) increased the concentrations of chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves and the NO₃ ^? and potassium (K⁺) concentrations in shoots for both populations. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply (10 mM) increased shoot Na⁺ in S. salsa from the intertidal zone. In conclusion, S. salsa from the saline inland zone is more responsive to NO₃ ^?‐N supply than the intertidal population. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply can help the species, especially the intertidal population, to grow and to mediate ion homeostasis under high salinity.     

Na+ and Cl−: Leaf extrusion,retranslocation and root efflux in diplachne fusca (kallar grass) grown in NaCl

Abstract

Groups of “Kallar”; grass plants were subjected to various treatments of 100 mM NaCl simultaneously labelled with ²²Na⁺ and ³⁶Cl^?. On the basis of the specific activity, the distribution of Na and Cl^? in the tissue was followed during and after treatment, i.e. after transfer of some groups to an identical but inactive solution. Sequential collections of leaf washes showed that both Na and Cl^? were extruded at a somewhat constant rate. Leaf sheaths accumulated more Na⁺ and Cl^? than the leaf blades and the amounts of Na⁺ and Cl^? in the leaf sheaths as a percentage of their total plant content (i.e. 28% and 31%) approximated the amounts of Na and Cl^? extruded by the leaves (i.e. 23%). Moreover, almost equivalent amounts of Na⁺ (21%) and Cl^? (29%) were removed by root efflux which continued even several days after transfer of the plants to the inactive, saline solution. Part of the Na⁺ and Cl^? was retranslocated from the tops to the roots and was attributed to phloem export.

Tolerance of Kallar grass to NaCl was thus related to preventing the tissue from accumulating high concentration by extrusion of both Na⁺ and Cl^? by the leaves and their efflux by the roots in addition to an equivalent retention in the leaf sheaths.     

Response of plant yield and leaf pigments to saline conditions: Effectiveness of different rootstocks in melon plants (Cucumis melo L.)

Two varieties of Cucumis melo (Resisto and Arava) were grafted onto three hybrids of Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata cultivars (Shintoza, RS-841 and Kamel). Ungrafted Cucumis melo var. Resisto and var. Arava plants were used as controls. Plants were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions and were constantly fertilized with macro- and micronutrients, supplied with irrigation water rich in Na⁺ and Cl^- Contents of chlorophylls a and b, carotene pigments, Cl^- and total and soluble Na⁺ and K⁺ ions were measured in all the scion parts of the plants. The results showed that grafted plants exhibited differences in the leaf content of Na+ and especially Cl^- in comparison with ungrafted plants. In addition, yield as well as leaf pigments appeared to be good indicators of Cl^- levels in scion parts. It is assumed that grafted plants developed various mechanisms to avoid physiological damage caused by the excessive accumulation of these ions in leaf, including the exclusion of Cl^- ion and/or decrease in Cl^- absorption by the roots and the replacement or substitution of total K⁺ by total Na⁺ in the foliar parts.     

Common reed absorbs K+ more selectively than rice against high Na+/K+ ratio in nutrient solution

The introduction of an active Na⁺ excretion system from salt-tolerant plants in salt-sensitive crop plants might necessitate enhancement of the robustness of K⁺ homeostasis and lead to improved plant growth under salt stress. To address this issue, we compared the acquisition and retention of K⁺ under excess Na⁺ concentrations in the common reed, which possesses excellent Na⁺ excretion ability, and low-Na⁺ excreting rice. Under excess Na⁺ concentrations, common reed maintained constant K⁺ content in all plant parts, whereas K⁺ content in rice decreased with increasing Na⁺ concentration. Preferential uptake of K⁺ against high Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in nutrient solution was approximately 10 times higher in common reed than in rice. The impact of excess Na⁺ on net K⁺ absorption rate of common reed was small. On the other hand, the net K⁺ absorption rate of rice was decreased by excess Na⁺ concentration. However, after the Na⁺ concentration in the nutrient solution was decreased from 50 to 1 mM, K⁺ absorption in rice recovered immediately. Thus, selectivity of K⁺ transporters or channels for K⁺ over Na⁺ in roots could be involved in the differences in K⁺ accumulation in rice and common reed.