Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Some mechanisms of salt tolerance in crop plants

  • Chapter
Biosalinity in Action: Bioproduction with Saline Water

Part of the book series: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences ((DPSS,volume 17))

Summary

In the first part of this review the main features of salt tolerance in higher plants are discussed. The hypothesis of intracellular compartmentation of solutes is used as a basis for models of tolerance mechanisms operating in roots and in leaves. Consideration is given to the implications of the various mechanisms for the yield potential of salt-tolerant crop plants.

Some work on the more salt-tolerant members of the Triticeae is then described. The perennial species Elytrigia juncea and Leymus sabulosus survive prolonged exposure to 250 mol m−3 NaCl, whereas the annual Triticum species are severely affected at only 100mol m−3 NaCl. In the perennial species the tissue ion levels are controlled within narrow limits. In contrast, the more susceptible wheats accumulate far more sodium and chloride than is needed for osmotic adjustment, and the effects of salt stress increase with time of exposure.

Two different types of salt tolerance are exhibited in plants capable of growing at high salinities. In succulent Chenopodiaceae, for example, osmotic adjustment is achieved mainly by accumulation of high levels of sodium and chloride in the shoots, accompanied by synthesis of substantial amounts of the compatible solute glycinebetaine. This combination of mechanisms allows high growth rates, in terms of both fresh and dry weight. At the opposite end of the spectrum of salt tolerance responses are the halophytic grasses, which strictly limit the influx of salts into the shoots, but suffer from very much reduced growth rates under saline conditions. Another variation is shown in those species that possess salt glands. The development and exploitation of crop plants for use on saline soils is discussed in relation to the implications of these various mechanisms.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Ahmad I and Wainwright S J 1976 Ecotype differences in leaf surface properties of Agrostis stolonifera from salt marsh, spray zone and inland habitats. New Phytol. 76, 361–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Ahmad I, Larher F and Stewart G R 1979 Sorbitol, a compatible solute in Plantago maritima. New Phytol. 82, 671–678.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Austin R B, Morgan C L, Ford M A and Bhagwat S G 1982 Flag leaf photosynthesis of Triticum aestivum and related diploid and tetraploid species. Ann. Bot. 49, 177–189.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Ball M C and Farquhar G D 1984 Photosynthetic and stomatal responses of two mangrove species, Aegiceras corniculatum and Avicennia marina, to long term salinity and humidity conditons. Plant Physiol. 74, 1–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Bathurst N O 1954 The amino acids of grass pollen. J. Exp. Bot. 5, 253–256.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Blum A 1982 Breeding programs for improving crop resistance to water stress. In Crop Reactions to Water and Temperature Stresses in Humid, Temperature Climates, Eds. C D Raper Jr. and P J Kramer, pp 263–275. Westview Press, Boulder.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Borowitzka L J and Brown A D 1974 The salt relations of marine and halophilic species of the unicellular green alga Dunaliella. The role of glycerol as a compatible solute. Arch. Microbiol. 96, 37–52.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Bradford K J and Hsiao T C 1982 Physiological responses to moderate water stress. In Encyclop. Plant Physiol. New Series, Vol 12B. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 263–324. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Champigny M L and Moyse A 1979 Photosynthetic carbon metabolism in wild primitive and cultivated forms of wheat at three levels of ploidy: role of glycolate pathway. Plant Cell Physiol. 20, 1167–1178.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Clarkson D T and Robards A W 1975 The endodermis, its structural development and physiological role. In Root Structure and Function. Eds. J Torrey and D T Clarkson. pp 415–436. Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Cooil B J, De La Fuente R K and De La Pena R S 1965 Absorption and transport of sodium and potassium in squash. Plant Physiol. 40, 625–633.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Cowan I R 1982 Regulation of water use in relation to carbon gain in higher plants. In Encyclopaedia of Plant Physiology, New Series, Vol. 12B. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 589–613. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Delane R, Greenway H, Munns R and Gibbs J 1982 Ion concentration and carbohydrate status of the elongating leaf tissue of Hordeum vulgare growing at high external NaCl. I. Relationship between solute concentration and growth. J. Exp. Bot. 33, 557–573.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Dewey D R 1962 Breeding crested wheatgrass for salt tolerance. Crop Science 2, 403–407. r24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Elzam O E and Epstein E 1969 Salt relations of two grass species differing in salt tolerance. I. Growth and salt content at different salt concentrations. Agrochimica 13, 187–195.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Eshel A and Waisel Y 1984 Effect of salt and soil water stress on transpiration of Salsola kali L. Plant Cell Environ. 7, 133–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Fischer R A 1981 Optimizing the use of water and nitrogen through breeding of crops. Plant and Soil 58, 249–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Flowers T J and Lauchli A 1983 Sodium versus potassium: substitution and compartmentation. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 15B. Eds. A Lauchli and R L Bielski. pp 651–681. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Ford C W 1982 Accumulation of O-methyl inositols in water-stressed Vigna species. Phytochemistry 21, 1149–1151.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Gale J and Zeroni M, 1985 The cost to plant of different strategies of adaptation to stress and the alleviation of stress by increasing assimilation. Plant and Soil 89, 57–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Gale J, Poljakoff-Mayber A 1970 Interrelations between growth and photosynthesis of salt bush (Atriplex halimus L) grown in saline media. Aust. J. Biol. Sci. 23, 937–945.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Gorham J and Wyn Jones R G 1983 Solute distribution in Suaeda maritima. Planta 157, 344–349.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Gorham J and Storey R (In preparation).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Gorham J, Hughes L L and Wyn Jones R G 1981 Low-molecular-weight carbohydrates in some salt-stressed plants. Physiol. Plant. 53, 27–33.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Gorham J, McDonnell E and Wyn Jones R G 1984 Salt tolerance in the Triticeae. I Leymus sabulosus. J. Exp. Bot. 35, 1200–1209.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Gorham J, McDonnell E and Wyn Jones R G (In preparation).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Gorham J, McDonnell E and Wyn Jones R G 1984 Pinitol and other solutes in salt-stressed Sesbania aculeata. Z. Pflanzenphysiol. 114, 173–178.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Greenway H and Munns R 1983 Interactions between growth, uptake of Cl- and Na+, and water relations of plants in saline environments. II. Highly vacuolated cells. Plant Cell Environ. 6, 575–589.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Hajibagheri M A, Hall J L and Flowers T J 1983 The structure of the cutical in relation to cuticular transpiration in leaves of the halophyte Suaeda maritima (L.) Dum. New Phytol. 94, 125–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Hanson A D and Hitz W D 1982 Metabolic responses of mesophytes to plant water deficits. Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. 33, 163–203.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Harvey D M R, Hall J L, Flowers T J and Kent B 1981 Quantitative ion localization within Suaeda maritima leaf mesophyll cells. Planta 151, 555–560.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Hill A E and Hill B S 1976 Elimination processes by glands: mineral ions. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, New Series, Vol. 2B. Eds. U Luttge and M G Pitman, pp 225–243. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Holbrook G P, Keys A J and Leech R M 1984 Biochemistry of photosynthesis in species of Triticum of differing ploidy. Plant Physiol. 74, 12–15.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Jacoby B 1979 Sodium recirculation and loss from Phaseolus vulgaris L. Ann. Bot. 43, 741–744.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Jeschke W D 1983 Cation fluxes in excised and intact roots in relation to specific and varietal differences. In Genetic Aspects of Plant Nutrition. Eds. M R Saric and Loughman. pp 71–86. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Jeschke W D 1984 K+−Na+ exchange at cellular membranes, intracellular compartmentation of cations and salt tolerance. In Salinity Tolerance in Plants - Strategies for Crop Improvement. Eds. R C Staples and G H Toenniessen. pp 37–66. Wiley and Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Jeschke W D and Stelter W 1976 Measurement of longitudinal profiles in single roots of Hordeum and Atriplex by use of flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Planta 128, 107–112.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Jeschke W D and Stelter W 1983 Ionic relations of garden orache, Atriplex hortensis L.: growth and ion distribution at moderate salinity and the function of bladder hairs. J. Exp. Bot. 34, 796–810.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Jeschke W D, Stelter W, Reising B and Behl R 1983 Vacuolar Na/K exchange, its occur¬rence in root cells of Hordeum, Atriplex and Zea and its significance for K/Na discrim¬ination in roots. J. Exp. Bot. 34, 964–979.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Johanson J G and Cheeseman J M 1983 Uptake and distribution of sodium and potassium by corn seedlings. I. Role of the mesocotyl in sodium exclusion. Plant Physiol. 73, 153–158.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Johanson J G, Cheeseman J M and Enkoji C 1983 Uptake and distribution of sodium and potassium by corn seedlings. II. Ion transport within the mesocotyl. Plant Physiol. 73, 159–164.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Kaiser W M, Weber H and Sauer M 1983 Photo synthetic capacity, osmotic response and solute content of leaves and chloroplasts from Spinacia oleracea under salt stress. Z. Pflanzenphysiol. 113, 15–27.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Kramer D 1983 The possible role of transfer cells in the adaptation of plants to salinity. Physiol. Plant. 58, 549–555.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Larher F, Hamelin J and Stewart G P 1977 L’acide dimethylsulphonium-3-propanoique de Spartina anglica. Phytochemistry 16, 2019–2020.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Leigh R A and Johnston A E 1983 Potassium concentrations in the dry matter and tissue water of field-grown spring barley and their relationships to grain yield. J. Agric. Sci., Cambridge. 101, 675–685.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Lessani H and Marschner H 1978 Relation between salt tolerance and long-distance transport of sodium and chloride in various crop species. Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 5, 27–37.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Longstreth D J and Nobel P S 1979 Salinity effects on leaf anatomy. Plant Physiol. 63, 700–703.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Longstreth D J and Strain B R 1977 Effects of salinity and illumination on photosynthesis and water balance of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Oecologia 31, 191–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Lüttge U 1975 Salt glands. In Ion Transport in Plant Cells and Tissues. Eds. D A Baker and J L Hall, pp 335–376. North Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Lüttge U 1983 Import and export of mineral nutrients in plant roots. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 15A. Eds. A Lauchli and R L Beileski. pp 181–211. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  51. McGuire P E and Dvorak J 1981 High salt tolerance potential in wheatgrasses. Crop Science 21, 702–705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Munns R, Brady C J and Barlow E W R 1979 Solute accumulation in the apex and leaves of wheat during water stress. Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 6, 379–389.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Munns R, Greenway H, Delane R and Gibbs J 1982 Ion concentration and carbohydrate status of the elongating leaf tissue of Hordeum vulgare growing at high external NaCl. II. Cause of the growth reduction. J. Exp. Bot. 33, 574–583.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Munns R, Greenway H and Kirst G O 1983 Halotolerant eukaryotes. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, New Series, Vol. 12C. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 59–135. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Osmond C B 1980 Integration of photosynthetic carbon metabolism during stress. In Genetic Engineering of Osmoregulation. Eds. D W Rains and R C Valentine, pp 171–186. Planum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Osmond C B, Bjorkman O and Anderson D J 1980 Physiological Processes in Plant Ecology. Towards a Synthesis with Atriplex. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Osmond C B, Winter K and Ziegler H 1982 Functional significance of difference pathways of CO2 fixation in photosynthesis. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, New Series, Vol. 12B. Eds. O P Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 479–547. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Papp J C, Ball M C and Terry N 1983 A comparative study of the effects of NaCl salinity on respiration, photosynthesis and leaf extension growth in Beta vulgaris L. (sugar beet). Plant Cell Environ. 6, 675–677.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Passioura J B 1982 Water in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 12B. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp. 5–33. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Popp M 1984 Chemical composition of Australian mangroves. II. Low molecular weight carbohydrates. Z. Pflanzenphysiol. 113, 411–421.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Qureshi R H, Salim M, Abdullah M and Pitman M G 1982 Diplachne fusca: an Australian salt-tolerant grass used in Pakistani agriculture. J. Aust. Inst. Agric. Sci. 48, 195–199.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Robinson S P, Downton W J S and Millhouse J A 1983 Photosynthesis and ion content of leaves and isolated chloroplasts of salt-stressed spinach. Plant Physiol. 73, 238–242.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Rozema J, Van Manen Y, Vugts H F and Leusink A 1983 Airborne and soilborne salinity and the distribution of coastal and inland species of the genus Elytrigia. Acta Bot. Neerl. 32, 447–456.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Schleiff U 1984 The effect of soil osmotic and soil matric water potential of the rhizophere on the water uptake by wheat roots. Poster presented at the Third Intern. Workshop on Biosaline Research, March 19–23, 1984, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Schonherr J 1982 Resistance of plant surfaces to water loss: transport properties of cutin, suberin and associated lipids. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, New Series, Vol. 12B. Eds. O Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond, and H Ziegler. pp 153–179. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Schulze E D and Hall A E 1982 Stomatal responses, water loss and C02 assimilation rates of plants in contrasting environments. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 12B. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 181–230. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Shannon M C 1978 Testing salt tolerance variability among tall wheatgrass lines. Agron. J. 70, 719–722.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Stelzer R and Lauchli A 1978 Salt- and flooding tolerance of Puccinellia peisonis. III. Distribution and localization of ions in the plant. Z. Pflanzenphysiol. 88, 437–448.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Stelzer R 1981 Ion localization in the leaves of Pucinellia peisonis. Z. Pflanzenphysiol. 103, 27–36.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Stewart C R and Hanson A D 1980 Proline accumulation as a metabolic response to water stress. In Adaptation of Plants to Water and High Temperature Stress. Eds. N C Turner and P J Kramer, pp 173–189. Wiley and Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Stewart G R and Lee J A 1974 The role of proline accumulation in halophytes. Planta Berlin. 120, 279–289.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Storey R, Pitman M G, Stelzer R and Carter C 1983 X-ray micro-analysis of cells and cell compartments of Atriplex spongiosa. I. Leaves. J. Exp. Bot. 34, 778–794.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Turner N C 1979 Drought resistance and adaptation to water deficits in crop plants. In Stress Physiology in Crop Plants. Eds. H Mussell and R C Staples, pp 343–372. Wiley-Interscience, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Turner N C and Jones M M 1980 Turgor maintainance by osmotic adjustment: a review and evaluation. In Adaptation of Plants To Water and High Temperature Stress. Eds. N C Turner and P J Kramer, pp 87–103. John Wiley and Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  75. Tyree M T and Jarvis P G 1982 Water in tissues and cells. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 12B. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 35–77. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Wallaart RAM 1980 Distribution of sorbitol in Rosaceae. Phytochemistry 19, 2603–2610.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Weatherley P E 1982 Water uptake and flow in roots. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 12B. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 79–109. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Wyn Jones R G and Gorham J 1983 Aspects of salt and drought tolerance in higher plants. In Genetic Engineering of Plants. An Agricultural Perspective. Eds. T Kosuge, C P Meredith and A Hollaender. pp 355–370. Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Wyn Jones R G and Storey R 1981 Betaines. In Physiology and Biochemistry of Drought Resistance in Plants. Eds. L G Paleg, and D Aspinall. pp 171–204. Academic Press, Sydney.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Wyn Jones R G, Storey R, Leigh R A, Ahmad N and Pollard A 1977 A hypothesis on cytoplasmic osmoregulation. In Regulation of Cell Membrane Activities in Plants. Eds. E Marre and O Ciferri. pp 121–135. Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Wyn Jones R G and Gorham J 1983 Osmoregulation. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, Vol. 12C. Eds. O L Lange, P S Nobel, C B Osmond and H Ziegler. pp 35–58. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Wyn Jones RG 1981 Salt tolerance. In Physiological Processes Limiting Plant Productivity. Ed. C B Johnson, pp 271–292. Butterworth, London.

    Google Scholar 

  83. Yeo A R 1981 Salt tolerance in the Halophyte Suaeda maritima L. Dum.: intracellular compartmentation of ions. J. Exp. Bot. 32, 487–497.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Yeo A R 1983 Salinity resistance: physiology and prices. Physiol. Plant. 58, 214–222.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Soil Science, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, Wales, UK

    J. Gorham, R. G. Wyn Jones & E. McDonnell

Authors
  1. J. Gorham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. G. Wyn Jones
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. E. McDonnell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Institutes for Applied Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 1025, Beer-Sheva, 84110, Israel

    Dov Pasternak

  2. Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405, USA

    Anthony San Pietro

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1985 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gorham, J., Wyn Jones, R.G., McDonnell, E. (1985). Some mechanisms of salt tolerance in crop plants. In: Pasternak, D., San Pietro, A. (eds) Biosalinity in Action: Bioproduction with Saline Water. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 17. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5111-2_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5111-2_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8759-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-5111-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation