Effects of ascorbic acid, charcoal, glucose, and salicylic acid in nutrient solutions on vegetative growth and the susceptibility of <i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> to sodium chloride

Abstract

The effects of ascorbic acid, charcoal, glucose and salicylic acid, each added separately to normal nutrient solution, on the vegetative growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and also their ameliorative role when 75 mM NaCI was added were studied. Applic~tion of 20, 40 and 80 mg I-Iascorbic acid and 20 mg 1-1 salicylic acid generally induced larger leaf area and higher leaf, stem and root dry weights compared with normal nutrient solution. Glucose at 0.5 g 1.1increased root dry weight, but at higher concentrations glucose and charcoal inhibited growth. In all the treatments containing NaCI, leaf succulence and foliar injury developed and vegetative growth was drastically reduced. However, 20 mg 1_1 ascorbic acid and to a lesser extent, 0.5 g I-Iglucose, partially ameliorated the NaCI stress by increasing leaf area, stem and total plant dry weights, relative to treatment with NaCI alone. All other treatments either had little ameliorative effect or increased the susceptibility of P. vulgaris to NaCI stress. Original scientific paper. Received 24 Jan 02; revised 21 Dec 02.