Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
Volume 90, Issue 10, Pages 1416-1424Publisher
BOTANICAL SOC AMER INC
DOI: 10.3732/ajb.90.10.1416
Keywords
cation accumulation; chloridoid grasses; halophyte; osmotic adjustment; Na : K ratio; Na+ secretion; Poaceae; salt-stimulated growth; Sporobolus virginicus
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Optimal growth of euhalophytes requires moderate concentrations of salt and, in dicotyledons, is associated with succulence and accumulation of Na+ in plant tissues. However, reports of salt-stimulated growth in monocotyledons are rare. Relative growth rate (RGR), biomass accumulation, and water content were studied in Sporobolus virginicus (Poaceae), a C-4 chloridoid grass, grown hydroponically with different concentrations of NaCl. Cation concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Optimal growth occurred at 100-150 mmol/L NaCl and was not dependent on nitrogen levels or accompanied by accumulation of Na+ in leaves. Biomass accumulation and RGR in plants grown at 450 mmol/L NaCl were greater than in plants,,town at 5 mmol/ L. The Na : K ratios were lower in leaves than in roots, indicating discrimination in Na+ and K+ transport. Secretion of Na+ increased from 166.5 to 336.7 mmol . g(-1) dry biomass . d(-1) as the NaCl concentration of the nutrient solution increased from 125 mmol/L to 450 mmol/L. Water concentrations of leaves and shoots were significantly greater in plants grown at optimal levels of salinity than in plants grown at lower or higher salinities. These results demonstrate salt-stimulated growth in a monocotyledon.
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