Abstract
Soil salinity is one of the most important environmental factors threatening agriculture on a global level. Plants show differences in resistance to salt stress, both in terms of species and variety. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of salt stress on photosynthetic efficiency and the activity of plants of two barley varietie—KWS Irina and RGT Planet. Plants grown in a pot experiment were subjected to soil treatment with sodium chloride (NaCl) at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mmol∙(dm3)−1. Measurements were made four times at intervals of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the application of NaCl. The relative chlorophyll content in leaves (CCl) and selected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, and PI) and gas exchange parameters (PN, E, gs, and Ci) were assessed. In the final stage of the experiment, a visual assessment of the plants’ condition was carried out and the amount of fresh mass (FM) of the above-ground part was determined. The content of sodium and potassium in the vegetative parts of plants was also analysed. Salinity significantly influenced the values of the measured parameters in both of the tested barley genotypes. High salt concentrations in the soil at levels of 100 and 150 mmol NaCl (dm3)−1 negatively affected the growth and development of plants by disturbing the process of photosynthesis and other plant gas exchange parameters. The antagonistic effect of sodium in relation to potassium resulted in a decrease in the K+ content in the plants, along with an increase in the salinity level.
Highlights
Due to its wide range of applications, barley is one of the most popular species grown in the world
On the first date of measurement, along with an increase in salt concentration in the medium, the varieties KWS Irina and RGT Planet reacted with a decrease in the chlorophyll content in the leaves
A significant decrease in the chlorophyll content in the leaves compared with the control, of 22.5% (KWS Irina) and 20.2% (RGT Planet), respectively, was observed at a salinity of 100 mmol NaCl−1
Summary
Due to its wide range of applications, barley is one of the most popular species grown in the world. Salinity is one of the most significant threats to cereal crops, which are a strategic commodity [1,2,3]. It is one of the main processes contributing to soil degradation that threatens the ecosystem. It is recognised as one of the most important problems at a global level in terms of agricultural production, food security, and sustainable development [1,4,5,6]. It is estimated that the increase in soil salinity amounts to
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
