Low Levels Of NaCl Research Articles

Potential impact of salinity on methane production from food waste anaerobic digestion

Previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl) inhibited the production of methane from food waste anaerobic digestion. However, the details of how NaCl affects methane production from food waste remain unknown by now and the efficient approach to mitigate the impact of NaCl on methane production was seldom reported. In this paper, the details of how NaCl affects methane production was first investigated via a series of batch experiments. Experimental results showed the effect of NaCl on methane production was dosage dependent. Low level of NaCl improved the hydrolysis and acidification but inhibited the process of methanogenesis whereas high level of NaCl inhibit both steps of acidification and methanogenesis. Then an efficient approach, i.e. co-digestion of food waste and waste activated sludge, to mitigate the impact of NaCl on methane production was reported. Finally, the mechanisms of how co-digestion mitigates the effect on methane production caused by NaCl in co-digestion system were revealed. These findings obtained in this work might be of great importance for the operation of methane recovery from food waste in the presence of NaCl.

Salt Exclusion and Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Increase Tolerance to NaCl and CaCl2 Salinity in ‘Siam Queen’ Basil

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of salinity on growth and nutrient uptake in basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Siam Queen’). Plants were fertilized with a complete nutrient solution and exposed to no, low, or moderate levels of salinity using NaCl or CaCl2. The plants in control and moderate salinity treatments were also inoculated or not with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis (Blaszk., Wubet, Renker, & Buscot) C. Walker & A. Schler., to determine whether AMF mitigate the effects of salinity stress. Electrical conductivity (EC) of leachate collected from salinity treatments reached levels ≥8 dS·m−1 but had no effect on plant growth in the first 41 days of treatment. However, by 75 days, plants exposed to low and moderate levels of NaCl and CaCl2 had 20% to 38% less dry weight (DW) than controls. Reductions in DW were similar between NaCl and CaCl2 and was greater in roots than in shoots. Both NaCl and CaCl2 salinity reduced stomatal conductance (gS) within 25 days, but hastened flowering by 2–3 days, and nearly doubled the DW of flowers at 75 days. Salinity from NaCl increased uptake of Na and reduced uptake of Ca, whereas CaCl2 salinity increased uptake of Ca and reduced uptake of Mg and Mn. Both salts also increased relative uptake of N, Cu, and Zn, and reduced relative uptake of S and Fe. In general, Na was concentrated in roots and excluded from shoots, whereas Cl was concentrated primarily in leaves. Both salts reduced root colonization by AMF. However, AMF increased gS by 10% with NaCl and 22% with CaCl2, and increased shoot DW by 22% and 43%, respectively. Other than Ca and Cl, AMF did not enhance nutrient uptake under NaCl or CaCl2 salinity. ‘Siam Queen’ basil was moderately tolerant to salinity, due at least in part to exclusion of Na from the shoots, and inoculation with AMF increased tolerance to both NaCl and CaCl2 salinity. Differences in basil tolerance to NaCl and CaCl2 indicate plants may have different mechanisms for dealing with salinity and sensitivity is not solely a function of EC. This highlights the importance of understanding the source of salinity in irrigation waters and soil for predicting damage.

A comparative in vitro study of salt tolerance in cultivated tomato and related wild species.

Salinity stress is a major abiotic stress for plants worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the variation in salt tolerance for 12 different genotypes belonging to three different tomato species: Solanum lycopersicum (L), S. peruvianum (L) and S. pimpinellifolium (L). Shoot apices and callus cultures were exposed to different levels of salinity stress ranging from no salt (control) to 100, 200 and 300 mmol L-1 NaCl. All growth and physiological parameters were significantly affected by salt stress. Most shoot apices of S. lycopersicum did not develop roots when exposed to low NaCl levels, whereas apices of S. peruvianum and S. pimpinellifolium developed roots when exposed to all salt levels. This difference in salt tolerance was clearly shown on the basis of root fresh weights and root surface areas. Callus growth in response to increased salinity was much greater in S. peruvianum and S. pimpinellifolium than in S. lycopersicum. The Cl- and Na+ concentrations increased significantly with increasing salt in the three species, although the S. peruvianum lines accumulated more ions compared with the others. As the salt concentration increased, less K+ accumulated in S. lycopersicum compared to the related wild species. The results obtained in this study suggest that S. peruvianum line 0043-1 was the accession with the best salt tolerance. The most tolerant cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum) cultivar was 'Rutgers.' Both S. peruvianum line 0043-1 and S. lycopersicum 'Rutgers' are good candidates for inclusion in tomato breeding programs for salt-tolerance.

Addition of Monovalent Electrolytes to Improve Storage Stability of Freeze-Dried Protein Formulations

This study investigates the effect of low levels of electrolytes on storage stability in freeze-dried sucrose-based protein formulations. Both bovine serum albumin and recombinant human serum albumin were freeze dried with sucrose and alkali halides (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, and CsCl) at selected low levels. All formulations were stored at 50°C and 65°C up to 2 months and then assayed for protein aggregation. The data demonstrate that low levels of LiCl and NaCl enhance stability. No obvious correlations with either protein secondary structure or global dynamics (structural relaxation time) were found. However, good correlations were found between stability and both free-volume hole size via positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and fast dynamics by neutron scattering. Volume changes on mixing and the partial molal volume of salt were also studied in an effort to detect decreases in free volume. These data did not support the hypothesis that reduction in free volume was the primary mechanism for salt-induced stabilization. Finally, a positive effect of postlyophilization annealing on stability was demonstrated. In summary, we find that small amounts of LiCl and NaCl significantly stabilize these proteins, which is a result at variance with conventional formulation wisdom.

RESPONSE OF YIELD AND ITS QUALITY OF SWEET PEPPER PLANT TO CERTAIN BIO-STIMULANTS UNDER TWO TYPES OF SALINITY

Number of fruits and its fresh weight per plant were significantly increased under low salinity level of NaCl+CaCl2 in the early 4th picking and total yield. While, plants grown under NaCl salinity did not produced fruits in the early 4th pickings. However, increasing salinity levels caused a significant decrease in this respect. In addition, pre-soaking seeds in selected chemicals used at both levels caused a significant increase in sweet pepper fruits number and its fresh weight per plant (early 4th pickings and total yield) under non-saline conditions. Moreover, salicylic acid at 75 mg/L or ascorbic acid at 50 mg/L was more effective in this respect under non-saline or salinity conditions.
 Ascorbic acid as well as total carbohydrates concentrations in sweet pepper fruits were increased significantly with increasing salinity levels. In addition, ascorbic acid and total carbohydrates concentrations were greatly increased in plants growing under NaCl followed by NaCl+CaCl2 and CaCl2 as compared to control. On the other hand, pre-soaking seeds in SA, AsA, toco and yeast extract at both levels increased ascorbic acid and total carbohydrates concentrations under non-saline or salinity conditions. Furthermore, AsA at both levels or SA at 75 mg/L was more effective in this respect.
 Total soluble solids (TSS %) were significantly increased under low salinity level (2000 mg/L), thereafer decreased with increasing salinity level to 4000 mg/L. In addition, the great reduction in TSS % occurred under NaCl at high salinity levels as compared with the other salinity type. Moreover, pre-soaking seeds in chemicals used at both levels increased TSS % under non-saline or saline conditions. Furthermore, SA at 75 mg/L or AsA at 50 mg/L was more effective in this respect.

English

Salinity refers to the salt content of any given system. By nature, arid soils are naturally saline. Soils could also acquire salinity due to some agricultural practices like irrigation. There is need therefore for search on halophytes that could adapt to such soils and be used to reclaim soils contaminated with salts. Thus, this present study focused on investigating Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea with respect to their potentials and suitability for use in saline environments. This study was conducted in two phases; germination (laboratory-based) and seedling tests (field-based). Shoot length, root length, root/shoot ratio, total length, fresh weight, dry weight, dry matter content, leaf area index, leaf number as well as relative water content were parameters used for assessing results for the field-based test. Germination results showed that only the control (0 mM) showed 100 % germination in both species. Germination percentages decreased steadily with increasing NaCl concentrations in both species. Growth was steadily stimulated in both species at lower NaCl levels with best growth stimulation at 50 mM NaCl but was adversely affected by higher NaCl concentration levels (75, 100 and 150 mM). Both species showed almost the same phenomenon for fresh weight, dry weight, dry matter, leaf area index, number of leaves as well as relative water concentration. These show that both species would best be cultivated under moderate than low or high saline concentration. The findings in this study showed that it is best for seedlings of both species of plants to be raised in nurseries free of NaCl to attain 100% germination and after which, the seedlings could then be transplanted to moderately saline soils for maximum growth and development. This has strong implications for maximizing food productivity and ensuring food security. Key words: Germination, early seedling growth, NaCl, salinity, Amaranthus hybridus, Celosia argentea.

Disinfection action of electrostatic versus steric-stabilized silver nanoparticles on E. coli under different water chemistries

The capping layer stabilizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) affects its aggregation, dissolution, and net disinfection action, especially under conditions of varying water composition, such as, pH, ionic strength and organic matter content. Herein, we correlate the silver ion (Ag+) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation rates for AgNPs of varying functionalization to their net disinfection coefficient on Escherichia coli, under conditions of differing water chemistries. For electrostatically stabilized citrate-capped AgNPs, the rate of ROS generation, as measured using a fluorescent dye, is found to dominate over that of Ag+ release, especially for smaller sized AgNP suspensions (∼10nm) at low pH (∼6.2). For these AgNPs, the ROS disinfection mechanism is confirmed to dominate net disinfection action, as measured by the live/dead assay, especially at low levels of organic matter. Steric stabilization of AgNPs by protein or starch-capped layers enables disinfection through reducing AgNP aggregation and promoting silver dissolution over ROS generation. We suggest the involvement of protons and dissolved oxygen in causing the independent formation of Ag+ and ROS, regardless of the AgNP capping layer. While protein-capping layers effectively stabilize AgNPs, the generated ROS is likely dissipated by interference with the bulky capping layer, whereas the interference is lower with citrate-capping layers. Steric stabilization of AgNPs enables disinfection within a wide range of water chemistries, whereas effective disinfection can occur under electrostatic stabilization, only at low NaCl (<1mmol/L) and organic matter (<5mg/L) levels.

Effect of different levels of dietary sodium from sodium chloride on gastrointestinal tract response, tibia mineralization, and footpad dermatitis incidence in young turkeys

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to determine whether different levels of dietary Na from NaCl affect gut function, tibia mineralization, and footpad dermatitis incidence in young turkeys. Male B.U.T. 9 turkeys (n = 308) were fed diets with very low, low, medium, and high NaCl addition, providing 0.07, 0.12, 0.17, and 0.22% Na and 0.23, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.49% Cl. Only the very low NaCl treatment negatively (P < 0.05) affected the growth rate and feed conversion in 8-wk-old turkeys. Both very low and low dietary NaCl levels adversely affected the density index and the elastic strength of the tibia. Dry matter concentrations in the small intestine and digesta viscosity were found to decrease along with increasing NaCl addition. The moisture content of cecal digesta and excreta was not affected by dietary treatments, although significantly lower footpad dermatitis scores were noted in groups fed the very low and low NaCl diets. A high salt level was associated with an increase in cecal pH, NH3 concentrations, and β-glucuronidase activity (P < 0.05 vs. other groups). It may be concluded that the medium level of NaCl addition seems to be the best dietary option because the other treatments decreased the BW of 8-wk-old turkeys (very low NaCl level), reduced tibia strength (very low and low NaCl levels), or negatively affected cecal metabolism (high NaCl level).

Salinity effect and seed priming treatments on the germination of Suaeda salsa in the tidal marsh of the Yellow River estuary

The effects of salinity and seed priming treatments (hydropriming, water, KNO 3 and KH 2 PO 3 ) on the germination of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa in intertidal zone of the Yellow River estuary were investigated. Results show that the seed germination percentage decreased with increasing NaCl concentration, and at the high NaCl level (800 mM), the lowest germination percentage was recorded. At the low NaCl levels, the highest germination rate was observed on day two and the seedling length was promoted slightly. In contrast, the germination delayed and the seedling length decreased at the high salinity. According to the survival functions, we also found that, at the low salinity, the seeds germinated quickly at the initial days and then the germination rate decreased, while few seeds germinated at the initial days at the high salinity. From the results of germination percentage and seedling length, we found that the effect of Yellow river water on germination was similar to the 400 mM NaCl. For priming treatments, the hydropriming has no promotion to the seeds germination, but it promoted the seedling growth at the river water and 400 mM NaCl. Seeds primed with KNO 3 could improve the germination at the low salinity, while priming with KH 2 PO 4 could improve the seedling growth at the high salinity, indicating that seed priming with proper nutrient (N, P) solutions could improve the germination or seedling growth as the nutrient (N, P) availability in the soil of S. salsa marsh was very limited. Keywords: Suaeda salsa, germination, salinity, priming, Yellow River estuary

Bioactive amines in soy sauce: Validation of method, occurrence and potential health effects

The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of bioactive amines in soy sauce. A method for the extraction of amines was optimized and an ion pair-HPLC method was validated. Overall, tyramine was the prevalent amine, followed by putrescine, histamine, phenylethylamine and cadaverine. The concentrations of amines varied widely among samples. The brands could be divided into two groups. The first one contained three amines; there was prevalence of cadaverine followed by tyramine and putrescine; and total amine levels were low. The second group contained four amines; there was prevalence of tyramine followed by histamine, phenylethylamine and putrescine; and total amine levels were high. A brand with lower NaCl levels contained significantly higher amine levels. Based on the levels of amines detected, a high percentage of samples could cause adverse effects to human health.

Effect of Sewage Irrigation on Nitrate Accumulation and Nitrate Reductase Activity in Leafy Vegetables

The effect of sewage water irrigation along with the N-fertilizers on NO3 accumulation and on the in vivo NR assay in three leafy vegetable crops were studied. It was found that the NO3 content in the leaves from the experimental sites were around two fold than the control and the NR enzyme activity was comparatively more in the control samples. The in vivo NRA with NaCl treatment increased at low level of NaCl where as with high level of NaCl, the enzyme activity decreased considerably. This is suggestive of the fact that NO3 accumulation may be due to antagonistic effect of chloride ions.

Impact of sodium chloride on wheat flour dough for yeast‐leavened products. II. Baking quality parameters and their relationship

The traditional use of sodium chloride (NaCl) fulfills various important rheological, technological and sensory properties in the manufacturing of yeast-leavened products. However, the use of NaCl in food production has been discussed controversially since a high intake of sodium seems to be associated with hypertension. This study investigates the baking quality parameters of wheat breads containing various levels of NaCl (0-40 g NaCl kg(-1) flour). Crumb firmness and rate of bread staling decreased with decreasing NaCl levels. A slight increase in loaf volume was observed based on the increased yeast leavening ability resulting from additional NaCl. Higher crumb retrogradation (measured by differential scanning calorimetry) was observed with low NaCl levels. The retrogradation effect is based on the theory that NaCl probably leads to Na(+) inclusion in starch molecules during storage and thus reduces retrogradation. Further, significant (P⩽0.05) linear relationships (r ≥ 0.829) between Rheofermentometer results, bread volume and crumb firmness were found, suggesting a predictability of bread quality by measurement of gas release.

Effect of NaCl on the Biofilm Formation by Foodborne Pathogens

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of NaCl on the biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella boydii, and Salmonella Typhimurium. The biofilm cells were cultured in media containing different NaCl concentrations (0% to 10%) for 10 d of incubation at 37 °C using a 24-well polystyrene microtiter plate, collected by swabbing methods, and enumerated using plate count method. The attachment and detachment kinetic patterns were estimated according to the modified Gompertz model. The cell surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation were observed at different NaCl concentrations. Most strains showed 2 distinctive phases at lower than 6% NaCl, while the numbers of adhered cells gradually increased throughout the incubation period at 4% to 10% NaCl. At 0% NaCl, the numbers of adhered L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, S. boydii, and S. Typhimurium cells rapidly increased up to 7.04, 6.47, 6.39, and 7.27 log CFU/cm(2), respectively, within 4 d of incubation. The maximum growth rate (k(A)) and specific growth rate (μ(A)) of adherent pathogenic cells were decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Noticeable decline in the numbers of adherent cells was observed at low concentration levels of NaCl (<2%). The adherence abilities of foodborne pathogens were influenced by the physicochemical surface properties. The hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation enhanced the biofilm formation during the incubation periods. Therefore, this study could provide useful information to better understand the adhesion and detachment capability of foodborne pathogens on food contact surfaces.

EFFECT OF NaCl AND CaCl2 SALTS ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF Capsicum annuum L.

To compare the effect of NaCl, CaCl2 and their combinations on germination and early seedling growth stages of Capsicum annuum L., two-separated experiments were laid out at Laboratory of the Agric. Botany Dept., Fac. of Agric., Mansoura Univ., Egypt, during the growing season 2008. Results indicated that significant increases were recorded in percentage of germination( GP), germination performance index (GPI), as well as seedling fresh and dry weights, seedling length, water content, catalase (CAT) activity and photosynthetic pigments concentrations (chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophylls as well as carotenoids) under the low level (2000 ppm) of NaCl or CaCl2 and their combination(1:1). Increasing salt concentration in nutrient cooper solution caused significant decrease in all of these parameters. The great reduction occurred under high salinity level of NaCl (4000 ppm). However, seedling water content (WC) was not-significantly decreased. In addition, CaCl2 at 4000 ppm increased significantly the total carotenoids as compared with NaCl. Meanwhile, peroxidase (POD) activity increased significantly with increasing salinity levels from 2000 to 4000 ppm of both applied salinity types. Moreover, POD activity under NaCl levels showed a marked increase followed by NaCl+ CaCl2 (1:1) and CaCl2 at 4000 ppm..

EFFECT OF PRESOAKING GUAR SEEDS IN SOME PLANT VITAMINS OR PHYTOHORMONES ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN THE PRESENCE OF NACL.

The present experiment is planned as an attempt to minimize the harmful effects of NaCl salinity(2500, 5000 and 7500 ppm) on germination percentage (GP %) and seedlings growth (fresh and dry weight as well as seedling length)of guar, through presoaking seeds in selected phytohormones (ABA or SA) and vitamins (AsA or Thi) at 50 and 100ppm for each. The low level of NaCl increased significantly guar seed germination percentage and seedling growth ,whereas that increasing salinity levels up to 5000ppm decreased seed germination percentage as well as seedling growth and this effect increased consistently and rapidly with increasing NaCl salinity as compared to non-salinized (control). The great reduction occurred under high salinity levels (7500 ppm NaCl). In most cases, presoaking seeds with selected material had a significant effect on seed germination as well as seedling growth under both normal and NaCl saline conditions compared to control except ABA at 100ppm with high salinity levels. On the other hand, under normal conditions, maximum germination was achieved in seeds presoaked with AsA at both level and Thi or SA at 100 ppm .Generally, phytohormone (SA) and plant vitamin (AsAorThi) counteracted the harmful effect of salinity on guar seedling growth against different salinity levels. These results suggested that AsA presoaking alleviate the adverse effects of NaCl presoaking guar seeds salinity on the seed germination and seedling growth of the guar followed by SA over the non- presoaking treatment.

THE EFFECT OF SALINITY ON THE GROWTH OF THE HALOPHYTE ATRIPLEX HORTENSIS (CHENOPODIACEAE)

The effect of salt stress on the growth of the Atriplex hortensis was determined by growing plants in soils receiving a one-time irrigation of nutrient solution containing low, medium, and high levels of NaCl. Atriplex plants were grown in sand culture under controlled greenhouse conditions. The experiment was compared to two varieties of A. hortensis. Growth and yield were progressively declined by increasing NaCl concentrations. Atriplex hortensis, an annual halophyte, exhibits significant reduction in height and biomass under saline stress conditions. The photosynthetic activity decreases when plants are grown under saline conditions leading to reduced growth and productivity. Low levels of salinity (5 g/l NaCl) did not cause substantial inhibition of growth but increasing concentrations of salt induced a progressive decline in length and weight of the plants. Salt stress induced a significant decrease in leaf area, but it had no significant effect on leaf water content. The results of present study indicate no differences in salinity tolerance in both Atriplex plants. Another possible conclusion is that improved tolerance to salt stress may be accomplished by decline in growth and photosynthetic activity. Based on

Mannosylglycerate is essential for osmotic adjustment in Thermus thermophilus strains HB27 and RQ-1

We disrupted the mpgS encoding mannosyl-3-phosphoglycerate synthase (MpgS) of Thermus thermophilus strains HB27 and RQ-1, by homologous recombination, to assess the role of the compatible solute mannosylglycerate (MG) in osmoadaptation of the mutants, to examine their ability to grow in NaCl-containing medium and to identify the intracellular organic solutes. Strain HB27 accumulated only MG when grown in defined medium containing 2% NaCl; mutant HB27M9 did not grow in the same medium containing more than 1% NaCl. When trehalose or MG was added, the mutant was able to grow up to 2% of NaCl and accumulated trehalose or MG, respectively, plus amino acids. T. thermophilus RQ-1 grew in medium containing up to 5% NaCl, accumulated trehalose and lower amounts of MG. Mutant RQ-1M1 lost the ability to grow in medium containing more than 3% NaCl and accumulated trehalose and moderate levels of amino acids. Exogenous MG did not improve the ability of the organism to grow above 3% NaCl, but caused a decrease in the levels of amino acids. Our results show that MG serves as a compatible solute primarily during osmoadaptation at low levels of NaCl while trehalose is primarily involved in osmoadaptation during growth at higher NaCl levels.

The influence of attachment to beef surfaces on the survival of cells of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104, at different aw values and at low storage temperatures

This study investigated the influence of attachment to beef surfaces on the survival, injury and death of stationary phase cells of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104, compared to cells free in solution. The effects on cells are considered at different a w values and low temperatures in relation to osmotic and cold temperature shock effects. Attachment of cells to meat surfaces prevented cell injury and death from hyperosmosis and low temperatures, compared to meat solutions. Storage of cells for 72 h resulted in higher levels of cell death on cells attached to meat surfaces. The improved survival of cells in solutions was considered to be related to adaptation to osmotic stress as a result of exposure to a previous hyperosmotic shock and the ability of the cells to produce cold shock proteins. Pathogen cell growth at low temperatures is discussed in relation to the presence of low levels of NaCl. Finally the data is discussed in relation to pathogen survival on beef carcass surfaces during refrigeration.

Polymethylene-co-guanidine based capsules: A mechanistic study of the formation using alginate and cellulose sulphate

Capsules have been prepared based on a polyanion blend of sodium alginate and sodium cellulose sulphate, gelled in the presence of calcium chloride and sodium chloride. In a second step a membrane was formed via the addition of polymethylene-co-guanidine (PMCG), an oligocation. A mechanistic study examined the influences of pH, ionic strenght, gelation and reaction times as well as the molar mass of the polyanions on the transport and mechanical properties. The ratio of alginate-to-cellulose sulphate in the polyanion blend was also varied and it was found that both mechanical resistance to compression as well as the pore size of the membrane decreased as the percentage of cellulose sulphate was reduced. The maximum mechanical strength was observed to correspond to the minimum in viscosity of the polyanion blend with, for low NaCl levels, a 3:1 alginate:cellulose sulphate level providing the largest resistance to deformation. The ability to decouple the molar mass cut-off and mechanical resistance is viewed as an important advantage of alginate/cellulose sulphate/PMCG capsules. Capsules were transplanted into mice to a maximum of 102 days, after which animals were sacrificed and capsules retrieved. Over 90% of the capsules were recovered from the peritoneal cavity with the mechanical properties of the explanted capsules observed to decrease as a function of implantation time, likely as a result of ion exchange. The capsules were, however, relatively free from any rejection which is a quite unusual result for cation containing systems. It is believed that the reason PMCG-based microcapsules function well in vivo is that they provide a net negative charge on the surface. Higher molar mass polycations such as poly-L-lysine provide a net positive charge, inducing inflammation.

Effect of salinity and temperature on germination, growth and ion relations of Panicum turgidum Forssk

Seed germination of Panicum turgidum was significantly affected by salinity levels, temperature and their interaction. Maximum germination was noted in the lowest saline media (25–50 mM) and distilled water at the temperature of 15–25 °C and 20–30 °C. Seeds germination was substantially delayed and reduced with an increase in NaCl to levels above 50 mM. This trend was much pronounced under high levels of NaCl and incubation temperature. Low levels of NaCl (25–50 mM) stimulated shoot and root dry weights of P. turgidum seedlings. However, the highest NaCl levels (>100 mM) resulted in a significant decrease in shoot, root and total dry weights of seedlings. Intermediate degrees of temperature, 15–25 and 20–30 °C, resulted in a significant increase in biomass accumulation. The Na + concentration in shoots and roots significantly increased as NaCl concentration increased. The K + concentration in roots and K/Na ratio in shoots and roots was significantly reduced as salinity concentration increased. The K/Na ratio was greatly affected by higher NaCl concentration and incubation temperatures.