Abstract
The relationship between Na+, major cation concentrations and salt tolerance under long-term saline conditions of Medicago arborea and Medicago citrina was studied. Plants were grown in solution culture in 1, 50, 100, or 200 mmol/L NaCl for 30 days in a climate-controlled greenhouse. Stem and petiole growth was the most affected by salt in both species. Leaf growth was inhibited in M. arborea, with increased salt, while only the 200 mmol/L NaCl-treated M. citrina plants were significantly affected. Both species had the highest Na+ concentrations in the shoots, however, the allocation pattern was different; M. arborea showed the highest concentrations in the leaf blades, whereas M. citrina distributed the salt into the petioles. K+/Na+ ratio decreased with salt in both species; however, leaf K+ use efficiency (g leaf DW mg-1 leaf K +) was higher in M. citrina. The difference in Na+ allocation and cation concentrations found in these medic species and their importance is discussed in relation to their response to NaCl salinity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1361-1365 |
Journal | Journal of Plant Physiology |
Volume | 160 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2003 |
Keywords
- Medicago arborea
- Medicago citrina
- Potassium use efficiency
- Salt tolerance
- Sodium allocation