Interactions between Ca, Na, and K inSalicornia virginicaand barley roots under saline conditions: multi- compartment transport box experiment

Abstract

Abstract The interrelationships between Ca, Na, and K in excised Salicornia (Salicornia virginica L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Akashinriki) roots under saline conditions were determined using multi-compartment transport boxes. The results showed that Ca considerably depressed Na absorption and translocation in both Salicornia and barley roots. This depressing effect of Ca on Na uptake was more pronounced in barley than in Salicornia roots. High concentrations of NaCl (50 and 150 mM) inhibited the absorption and translocation of K in the roots of both plants in the absence of Ca, especially in barley. Ca addition, however, greatly alleviated the adverse effect of NaCl on K uptake in both Salicornia and barley roots. In contrast to barley, high concentrations of NaCl appeared to stimulate K uptake in Salicornia roots in the presence of Ca. Salicornia seems to be more effective than barley in protecting the K nutrition in its roots from the adverse effect of salt stress. The findings show that Sali...