Barley root hydraulic conductivity and aquaporins expression in relation to salt tolerance

Root hydraulic conductivity (Lp(r)) and aquaporins were investigated in barley seedlings under salt stress of 100 mmol L-1 NaCl in hydroponic culture for 24 and 48 h. No reduction in root elongation was observed in stressed seedlings, and more that 75% of root and shoot growth was maintained under salt stress of 100 mmol L-1 NaCl. A slight increase in HvPIP2;1 transcript, which was the most abundant of the three aquaporins investigated, was observed. No significant changes in LPr and HvPIP2;1 protein were detected. The possible reason for these complicated results and the function of aquaporins in LPr under salt stress are discussed.