Ion accumulation, antioxidant activity, growth and tolerance indices of Eucalyptus clones under salt stress

Due to the expansion of planted forests, Eucalyptus may end up being planted in saline soil areas. The aim of this study was to assess ion accumulation, antioxidant activity and the growth and tolerance indices of Eucalyptus clones as indicators of salt tolerance. This study used a randomized block design in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme consisting of three Eucalyptus clones (VC865, I224 and I144) and four concentrations of NaCl (0, 1, 2 and 3 g of NaCl kg(-1) of soil) with five repetitions. The Eucalyptus clones responded differently to soil salinity: I144 showed lower declines in psi w, K+ concentrations, leaf dry weight and stem dry weight. In addition, a lower psi s was associated with an increase in Na+ and proline and a low Na+/K+ ratio, indicating greater osmotic adjustment. This clone, considered the most tolerant to soil salinity, also exhibited greater superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase antioxidant enzymes activity, higher relative increment and tolerance indices and lower hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation content. However, the clones VC865 and I224 are moderately tolerant and sensitive, respectively. Based on the soil salinity variables, Eucalyptus clones were classified in the following order of tolerance: I144 > VC865 > I224.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the salt tolerance of different Eucalyptus clones in saline soil areas. The results showed that the clone I144 exhibited the highest salt tolerance, with stronger antioxidant enzyme activity and osmotic adjustment. On the other hand, the clones VC865 and I224 showed moderate tolerance and sensitivity, respectively.