Abstract
Salinity is a global agricultural problem, resulting in a significant reduction in the plantation areas and the crop yields, especially in arid and semiarid regions. The date palm is relatively salt-tolerant plant species, although the nature of salt tolerance is poorly understood. In this study, the salt stress responses of a salt-tolerant “Umsila” was compared with salt-susceptible “Zabad” date palm cultivars. Various physiological parameters, plant-water relations, and anatomical characteristics were analyzed. The results revealed that although salinity has negatively affected both cultivars, Umsila exhibited more stable photosynthesis than Zabad as reflected by the quantum yield (Qy) and the stomatal conductance (GS). Similarly, Umsila showed a more dynamic root system and efficient water relations than Zabad as demonstrated by the leaf water potential (LWP) and relative water content (RWC) during salinity. Umsila also accumulated greater abundances of soluble sugars, potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+2), proline, glycine betaine, and lignin and formed extra layers of Casparian strips in the root tissues when the seedlings were grown under saline conditions. Together, the results obtained from this study have offered some insights into the salt tolerance mechanisms in the date palm.
Highlights
Salinity is a worldwide problem resulting in a major reduction in growth and productivity of the crop plants [1]
E purpose of this study was to identify the differences between salt-tolerant “Umsila” and salt-sensitive “Zabad” date palm cultivars concerning water relations, photosynthesis, sugars, proline, glycine betaine, lignin, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ accumulation during salinity. e results revealed that ion and osmolyte accumulations, photosynthesis, and water system might play an essential role in salinity tolerance in the date palm
Two date palm cultivars differing in their salinity tolerance capacities were evaluated for water relations, photosynthesis-associated parameters, sugars as well as lignin, and casparian strips to identify the differences between salttolerant and salt-sensitive date palm cultivars
Summary
Salinity is a worldwide problem resulting in a major reduction in growth and productivity of the crop plants [1]. E accumulation of sugars in plants promotes tolerance to salinity by balancing the osmotic potential inside the cell with the external salt concentration, thereby reducing further water loss [29]. Salinity induces changes in the cell wall components of root tissues, including an increased deposition of lignin and suberin, which in turn may prevent water loss and alter ion transport pathways [32]. E purpose of this study was to identify the differences between salt-tolerant “Umsila” and salt-sensitive “Zabad” date palm cultivars concerning water relations, photosynthesis, sugars, proline, glycine betaine, lignin, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ accumulation during salinity. E purpose of this study was to identify the differences between salt-tolerant “Umsila” and salt-sensitive “Zabad” date palm cultivars concerning water relations, photosynthesis, sugars, proline, glycine betaine, lignin, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ accumulation during salinity. e results revealed that ion and osmolyte accumulations, photosynthesis, and water system might play an essential role in salinity tolerance in the date palm
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