NaCl Levels Research Articles

Impact of sulfate to chloride ratio on titanium aluminide coating's high temperature corrosion performance in settings mimicking waste incineration

One major problem with waste incineration is the corrosion of superheater tubes at high temperatures. The presence of sulfate and chloride in this setting poses a severe risk to the boiler's service life. In this work, pack aluminizing was used to create titanium aluminide coating, which was then subjected to five distinct NaCl+Na2SO4 salt combination proportions for 168 h at 600 °C. The outcomes demonstrated that in the presence of solid Na2SO4 deposits, titanium aluminide coating displayed remarkably low corrosion rates. Adding 1/6 NaCl significantly accelerated the rate of corrosion. The electrochemical corrosion resulting from eutectization between NaCl and Na2SO4 was again considerably amplified when the NaCl level was raised to 1/4.

Mechanism governing textural changes of low-moisture tofu induced by NaCl addition in soymilk

This study aimed to investigate the impact of NaCl (0 – 1 g/100 mL) on the textural properties of calcium-coagulated low-moisture tofu (LM-tofu) and explore the underlying mechanism governing the NaCl-induced changes of relevant properties. Increasing the NaCl level in soymilk led to higher yield (134.2 – 192.2 g/100 g soybean) of LM-tofu with higher water content (69.2 – 76.7%), reduced protein (11.3 – 16.3%) and lipid (6.87 – 9.22%) levels, and enhanced water binding capacity (WBC, 4.26 – 6.78 g H2O/g protein) and water holding capacity (WHC, 3.63 – 5.49 g H2O/g protein) of soy proteins. Although NaCl had a minor effect on the interactions between proteins and mobilized water or tightly bound water, it significantly improved the proteins' ability to bind loosely bound water due to electrostatic interactions between the charged groups of proteins and hydrated Cl- and Na+ ions. Moreover, the amounts of loosely bound water were highly correlated with both WBC and WHC of proteins (correlation coefficient: 0.999 and 0.995, respectively). The enhanced water binding capacity of proteins for loosely bound water due to an increased salt level resulted in LM-tofu with a less dense protein network structure, weaker strength and reduced deformation ability. This study provides insights for the development of high-calcium, soy protein-based foods to meet the growing demands for healthy and convenient plant-based snacks or meals.

Different taste map for amiloride sensitivity, response frequency, and threshold to NaCl in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract in rats.

Studies on taste bud cells and brain stem relay nuclei suggest that alternative pathways convey information regarding different taste qualities. Building on the hypothesis that amiloride (epithelial Na channel antagonist)-sensitive neurons respond to palatable salt (low-concentration) and amiloride-insensitive neurons respond to aversive salt (high-concentration), we investigated the histological distribution of taste-sensitive neurons in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract in rats and their NaCl and amiloride sensitivities. We recorded neuronal activity in extracellular single units using multi-barrel glass micropipettes and reconstructed their locations on the rostrocaudal and mediolateral axes. Seventy-three taste-sensitive neurons were categorized into the best-taste category. The amiloride sensitivities of the 31 neurons were examined for 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 M NaCl. The neuronal distribution of amiloride-sensitive neurons was located in the lateral region, while amiloride-insensitive neurons were located in the medial region. The amiloride-sensitive neurons responded to low salt concentrations, signaling the NaCl levels required by body fluids. Amiloride-insensitive neurons were silent at low salt concentrations but may function as warning signals for high salt concentrations. Low-threshold and/or high-response neurons were located in the rostrolateral region. In contrast, high-threshold and/or low-response neurons were located in the caudal-medial region.

NaCl-induced effects on photosynthesis, ion relations, and growth of Chloris gayana Kunth in the presence of two levels of KCl

Soil salinization is a widespread environmental problem that impacts agriculture. Potassium fertilization is often associated with stress mitigation. Aiming to identify the ability of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) to cope with high salt as well as to investigate the potential of K+ fertilization to alleviate stress symptoms, we investigated the combined effects of NaCl and KCl on photosynthesis, ion distribution, and growth of two Rhodes grass cultivars, Callide and Reclaimer. Plants were grown under different regimes (0, 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl + 1 or 10 mM KCl). For Reclaimer, 10 mM KCl induced positive effects in photochemistry under 0 and 200 mM NaCl, as illustrated by fluorescence transients OJIP-bands and JIP-test parameters. However, such improvements did not lead to superior biomass accumulation nor net photosynthesis compared to the corresponding treatments under 1 mM KCl, which may not justify KCl application. In Callide 10 mM KCl induced deleterious effects on photochemistry of plants under low NaCl levels. High salinity (600 mM) induced stress-triggered biomass reduction of up to 70% in both cultivars, but all plants remained photosynthetically active. Exposure of both cultivars to NaCl concentrations equal to or higher than 200 mM triggered response mechanisms such as the ability to accumulate inorganic solutes accounting to osmotic potential, stomata closure, and excretion (up to 70%) of the retained Na+ onto the leaf surface irrespective of KCl. Our data reinforce that Rhodes grass is an auspicious forage crop for saline environments and, therefore, in revegetation programs for saline soils pasture in subtropical regions.

Photosynthetic Responses to Salt Stress in Two Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties

Assessing salt tolerance in plants under field conditions is a challenging task. The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of different methods (leaf disc assay and pot experiment) for evaluating salt tolerance in rice. Using two varieties with different salt tolerance, Changmaogu (CM) and 9311, under three NaCl levels (0, 0.3%, and 1.0%), we evaluated the photosynthetic performance in terms of chlorophyll content in leaf disc assays, as well as the photosynthetic rate (Pn), chlorophyll content, linear electron flow (LEF), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), in a semi-controlled pot experiment. In the leaf disc assay, CM showed a smaller decrease in chlorophyll content compared to 9311, especially under 1.0% salinity. Simultaneously, in the pot experiment, the CM variety employed flexible photosynthetic strategies, actively decreasing LEF and Pn after 5 days of salt stress (day 5) and then increasing photosynthetic capacity (chlorophyll content, LEF, and Pn) on day 10. Notably, the total chlorophyll content for the CM variety under 1.0% salinity was significantly higher than in the control, showing a 25.0% increase. Additionally, CM demonstrated NPQt sensitivity under 0.3% salinity, requiring an LEF of 150 to achieve an NPQt value of 3.0, compared to an LEF of 180 in the control. These results suggest that a simple leaf disc assay may not fully capture the adaptive mechanisms of rice plants under salinity stress. Therefore, we advocate for the use of more comprehensive methods, such as outdoor pot or field experiments, to gain a deeper understanding and more accurate evaluation of salt tolerance in rice.

Cutting propagation of Salicornia europaea L. and the optimum NaCl and nutrient solution levels for its rooting and growth

ABSTRACT Salicornia europaea is a salty and crunchy succulent vegetable, traditionally known as precious gourmet food in Europe and Hawaii. Additionally, this plant is expected to be one of the most essential candidates for future crops under climate change because of its high salt tolerance and abundance of bioactive compounds. S. europaea is generally cultivated by seed propagation, which is challenging because of the heterogeneity in seed size, viability and dormancy. However, our results show that the cutting method is suitable for propagating this plant. We explored various nutrient conditions and proposed that the optimal culture medium conditions for promoting root and biomass development consists of 1.5% NaCl and a nutrient solution with 260 ppm N, 120 ppm P2O5 and 405 ppm K2O. Our findings suggest that the cutting method can facilitate S. europaea propagation, owing to its high degree of efficiency, homogeneity and simplicity, providing the potential to produce food even in salt-affected areas effectively.

Salt stress effects on growth, physiology, and ionic concentrations in hydroponically grown barley genotypes

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that severely affects crop production in different regions of the globe. Barley is an essential cereal crop and there is a significant genetic variation among barley varieties for tolerance towards salt stress. Understanding of salinity tolerance mechanisms assists in developing salt tolerant barley varieties in a hydroponics experiment. There were twelve barley varieties and two NaCl stress levels (Control, 100 and 200 mM) in this study. The nursery of barley was seeded in sand and at two-leaf stage; plants were transplanted into hydroponic tubs. The plants were grown under salt stress for 65 days and data regarding several morpho-physiological parameters were collected. The statistical analysis of the collected data was implemented by using completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement. Exposure to NaCl stress significantly reduced shoot and root growth and relative leaf water contents (RLWC), while increasing Na+ concentration, with B-9006 showing the highest root dry weight (0.39 g) and YSM1 recorded the lowest root dry weight (0.10 g) under 100 mM NaCl. The maximum (232 ppm) Na+ concentration in leaf sap was observed in variety B-15011 (70 % from control) and minimum was observed in B-15018. Maximum K+ mM concentration in leaf sap was found as 72 % in Aia-03 and minimum was observed as 50 % in B-15035. At stress level of 200 mM, highest shoot dry weight (2.52 g) was observed in ZP2 (73 % decreased from control) while minimum shoot dry weight (0.19 g) (96 % decrease from control) was recorded in Franklin genotype. Maximum root dry weight (0.24 g) was observed in B-9006 genotype while minimum root dry weight (0.04 g) was recorded in Gairdner. Maximum K+/Na+ ratio (1.20) was recorded in B-15018 and minimum (0.14) was seen in B-15035. Therefore, based on our results, barley genotypes can be classified into salt-tolerant (B-9006, B-15018, Yerong, Aia-03), salt-sensitive (Gairdner, Franklin, B-15035, B-05011), and moderately tolerant groups at both 100 and 200 mM NaCl levels.

Pycnogenol® + Centellicum® supplementation improves skin elasticity and microperfusion. Implication for surgical patients: a conceptual registry study.

The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® (PYCE) on skin perfusion and skin elasticity in healthy women over a period of 4 weeks. The supplemented women used 150 mg of Pycnogenol® and 450 mg of Centellicum® daily. The supplemented group used the combination PYCE daily for 4 weeks and followed the standard management (SM) in addition. A control group used only the SM. SM for all subjects included a healthy diet (low levels of NaCl, low sugar, low calories), vitamin supplementation (C, E, B), daily mild outdoors exercise, regular washing with neutral soap; the same non-clinical, non-specific hydrating cream (Nivea) was used once daily. Sixty-three women completed the registry study. Thirty women using the PYCE combination and 33 women in the control group. The groups were comparable at baseline. No clinical condition was observed during the registry; no drug was used. There were no side effects or tolerability problems with the supplements. After 4 weeks, ultrasound elastosonography showed that skin elasticity significantly improved with the PYCE combination (P<0.05) without significant changes in the control group. In parallel, transcutaneous skin PO<inf>2</inf> increased significantly with PYCE compared to controls and transcutaneous skin PCO<inf>2</inf> decreased significantly compared to controls (P<0.05). This showed that skin oxygenation and nutrition improved with PYCE. Skin hydration also significantly improved with PYCE (P<0.05) in comparison with controls. Skin flow, indicating skin blood perfusion (thermoregulatory flow), assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry significantly improved over 4 weeks compared to controls (P<0.05). More specifically, the most superficial part of the flow, in the most superficial layer of the skin, corresponding to the nutritional blood flow, significantly improved with the combination PYCE compared to controls (P<0.05). Skin and tissue elasticity are crucial in surgery for healing, scarring, and wound closure. Reduced elasticity can lead to irregular or delayed healing. This preliminary concept study suggests that PYCE supplementation enhances skin elasticity, perfusion, and nutrition, with visible effects seen in just 4 weeks. This preliminary, concept study indicates that skin elasticity, skin perfusion, and skin nutrition improved with the supplementation of PYCE and the effects of PYCE were visible after only 4 weeks. A longer observation period should be considered in future studies. In conclusion, this pilot concept study shows a significant activity of the combination Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® on skin elasticity over a short period of supplementation.

Study of the volatile compounds of dry fermented sausage with salt reduction and its relationship with sensory acceptance

In many industrialised countries, sodium intake exceeds the nutritional guidelines. High sodium intake has been associated with health problems, such as arterial hypertension and, consequently, a higher health risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate overall quality of salamis with reduced sodium content by analysing aldehydes, proteolysis, and lipolysis, as well as to verify the correlation between sensory acceptance and volatile compounds. Four formulations were prepared replacing NaCl by a mixture of KCI and CaCl2. Two controls, one with a high level and the other with a low NaCl level were also included in the study. Water activity and pH levels were monitored in all samples. Volatile compounds were measured, in particular, hexanal, 2,4-decadienal and 3-methylbutanal. Finally, a sensory acceptance test was carried out using potential consumers. The results highlighted a relation between aldehyde concentration and sensory acceptance, hexanal/3-methybutanal ratio, that may be a marker of partial NaCl substitution in salami. Thus, our results may be used to guide the use of NaCl substitution by KCl/CaCl2 in terms of volatile compounds.Graphical

Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Asparagus officinalis in response to varying levels of salt stress

BackgroundSalt stress is a major abiotic factor that affects the distribution and growth of plants. Asparagus officinalis is primarily resistant to salt stress and is suitable for cultivation in saline-alkali soil.ResultsThe study integrated the morphology, physiological indexes, and transcriptome of A. officinalis exposed to different levels of NaCl, with the aim of understanding its biological processes under salt stress. The findings indicated that exposure to salt stress led to decreases in the height and weight of A. officinalis plants. Additionally, the levels of POD and SOD, as well as the amounts of MDA, proline, and soluble sugars, showed an increase, whereas the chlorophyll content decreased. Analysis of the transcriptome revealed that 6,203 genes that showed differential expression at different salt-stress levels. Various TFs, including FAR1, MYB, NAC, and bHLH, exhibited differential expression under salt stress. KEGG analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily associated with the plant hormone signal transduction and lignin biosynthesis pathways.ConclusionThese discoveries provide a solid foundation for an in-depth exploration of the pivotal genes, including Aux/IAA, TCH4, COMT, and POD, among others, as well as the pathways involved in asparagus’s salt stress responses. Consequently, they have significant implications for the future analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying asparagus’s response to salt stress.

A novel Microbacterium strain SRS2 promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and MicroTom (S. lycopersicum) under normal and salt stress conditions.

Microbacterium strain SRS2 promotes growth and induces salt stress resistance in Arabidopsis and MicroTom in various growth substrates via the induction of the ABA pathway. Soil salinity reduces plant growth and development and thereby decreases the value and productivity of soils. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been shown to support plant growth such as in salt stress conditions. Here, Microbacterium strain SRS2, isolated from the root endosphere of tomato, was tested for its capability to help plants cope with salt stress. In a salt tolerance assay, SRS2 grew well up to medium levels of NaCl, but the growth was inhibited at high salt concentrations. SRS2 inoculation led to increased biomass of Arabidopsis and MicroTom tomato in various growth substrates, in the presence and in the absence of high NaCl concentrations. Whole-genome analysis revealed that the strain contains several genes involved in osmoregulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, which could potentially explain the observed growth promotion. Additionally, we also investigated via qRT-PCR, promoter::GUS and mutant analyses whether the abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent or -independent pathways for tolerance against salt stress were involved in the model plant, Arabidopsis. Especially in salt stress conditions, the plant growth-promotion effect of SRS2 was lost in aba1, abi4-102, abi3, and abi5-1 mutant lines. Furthermore, ABA genes related to salt stress in SRS2-inoculated plants were transiently upregulated compared to mock under salt stress conditions. Additionally, SRS2-inoculated ABI4::GUS and ABI5::GUS plants were slightly more activated compared to the uninoculated control under salt stress conditions. Together, these assays show that SRS2 promotes growth in normal and in salt stress conditions, the latter possibly via the induction of ABA-dependent and -independent pathways.

Strategies to Reduce Salt Content: PDO and PGI Meat Products Case.

The reduction of sodium chloride (NaCl) content, commonly known as salt, in processed meat products is one of the objectives of health organizations and government authorities to achieve healthier products. This reformulation of traditional meat products with protected designations poses more constraints, as they have a more consolidated quality image and less margin for change, since consumers appreciate the products for their unique sensory characteristics. The aim of this work is to present some of the strategies that have been explored to obtain meat products with low sodium content. Information related to the characteristics of traditional meat products with quality marks and geographical indications in different studies is discussed in opposition to the information recorded in their product specifications. It was found that the product specifications of meat products with Portuguese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) show a wide variation in the NaCl content, much higher than the recommended values. Thus, one of the requirements to be implemented will be the parameterization of NaCl levels and their monitorization by control and certification organizations as a way to ensure product quality. It is also urgent to examine whether healthy innovation strategies may affect the quality of traditional PDO or PGI meat products and whether they can be included in the respective product specifications.

Indigenous alkaliphiles as an effective tool for bioremediation of bauxite residue (red mud)

The microorganisms thriving in ageing Bauxite residue, or red mud, have captured scientific interest for their adaptability to extreme conditions. This study investigates extremophilic microbial communities present in Indian red mud for their potential to neutralize the residue and extracting metals. These communities thrive in the highly alkaline, sodic, and metal-rich conditions of this challenging environment. The research specifically highlights alkali-halophilic species and their ability to withstand pH fluctuations (7–11) and varying NaCl levels (0–3 M). Out of the 13 isolates analyzed, all preferred a pH range of 9–10 and tolerated NaCl up to 1.5–2 M. Notably, Evansella cellulosilytica and Halalkalibacterium halodurans, showed superior tolerance index for Al3+ and Cr6+ at 2000 ppm, as well as Co2+ at 1000 ppm, followed by Sutcliffiella cohnii. However, the tolerance index for Cu2+, Te4+, and Hg2+ was relatively low for all tested strains. Additionally, Alkalihalobacillus sp. demonstrated remarkable tolerance to 10% red mud, facilitated by the production of mixed acids, neutralizing the pH within 24 h. The study proposes a potential mechanism for metal and red mud tolerance through genomic analysis using Rapid Annotation Subsystem Technology (RAST), revealing stress tolerance mechanisms, metal resistance genes, ion transporters, hydrolytic enzymes, siderophore production, and organic acid synthesis. Indigenous species like E. cellulosilytica, H. halodurans, S. cohnii, and Alkalihalobacillus sp. emerge as promising candidates for red mud bioremediation, providing insights into sustainable strategies for red mud disposal.

Effect of salt stress on plant regeneration efficiency in primed and non-primed seed's calli of rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety Swarna.

This study leads with the primed seeds of rice (var. Swarna) with distilled water (D.W.) and various concentrations of Mg(NO3)2 (0-8mM)/Kinetin (0-5ppm) alone or in combination with screen out the regeneration medium induced tolerance level of NaCl. To fulfill the objective, the primed and non-primed rice seeds were inoculated in MS medium supplemented with 30gL-1 maltose + 1gL-1 casein hydrolysate and 2mgL-1 of 2,4-D for callus induction and cultured up to 45days in two sets: one set for regeneration purpose in NaCl-induced regeneration medium and another set was used to study the physiological potentiality of the callus. The 45-day-old calli were transferred into regeneration medium MSR (MS medium for regeneration) (BAP: NAA: Kinetin = 4:1:1) containing NaCl with a concentration range of 0 to 300mM. The number of regenerating calli and shoot regeneration percentage, number of plantlets obtained from one callus, recovery of plantlets from each concentration of NaCl and proline estimation from the leaf of the regenerated plantlets were determined from one set obtained after 45days. The calli obtained from another set after 45days, the frequencies of total and embryogenic calli induction percentage, fresh and dry weights, proline content, nitrate reductase and superoxide dismutase activities were measured. The calli obtained from 2.5ppm kinetin + 4mMMg(NO3)2 primed seeds were showed best result as compared to the other treatments for the above-mentioned parameters in different concentrations of NaCl-induced medium and survive up to 200mM concentrations of NaCl.

Influence of NaCl and phosphate on gelation properties of chicken breast myofibrillar protein gels and its application to in vitro digestion model

To investigate the combination effect of sodium chloride and phosphates on chicken breast myofibrillar proteins, MP gels containing various molarity of NaCl (0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 M) and phosphate (0 and 0.05 M) were prepared, their rheological properties were characterized, and applied to an in vitro digestion model. MP mixture containing 0.45 M NaCl and 0.05 M phosphate had the highest viscosity. The gel strength and cooking yield of MP gels was improved by increasing of molarity of NaCl. As NaCl concentration in MP increased, sulfhydryl levels decreased, while disulfide levels increased. As NaCl and phosphate levels increase, MP gels become denser and porosity decreases, which may reduce protein digestibility. In SDS-PAGE, protein bands from MP gels containing low NaCl levels (≤ 0.30 M) degraded more rapidly during in vitro digestion. These results may support the need for the meat industry to develop low-salt meat products with improved digestibility. KeywordsChicken,Myofibrillar protein,NaCl,Phosphate,Rheological properties,In vitro digestion

Isolation and assessment of the beneficial effect of exopolysaccharide-producing PGPR in Triticum aestivum (L.) plants grown under NaCl and Cd -stressed conditions

Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing beneficial bacteria play a multifaceted role in improving plant growth and adaptive responses against different stressors. In this study, we isolated 25 bacterial strains from pea nodules and were further studied for their sodium chloride (NaCl) and cadmium (Cd) stress tolerance. Based on our results, Rhizobium fabae SR-22 (NCBI Accession number: MG063739.1) showed better tolerance toward salinity and Cd stress and produced a wide range of plant growth-promoting compounds. However, the amount of EPS varies during NaCl and Cd stress. It was important to note that NaCl and Cd beyond the tolerant level, affected the morphology and cellular viability of R. fabae. Interestingly, plant growth-promoting (PGP) substances (indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, siderophore, and ACC deaminase) released by R. fabae were increased with increasing NaCl concentrations. In contrast, PGP substances were greatly decreased by increasing Cd dosages. Further, the beneficial effect of EPS-producing R. fabae in Triticum aestivum grown in soil treated with different levels of NaCl and Cd was assessed. Inoculation of R. fabae in wheat seedlings grown under higher NaCl and Cd concentrations showed improved growth compared to non-inoculated plants. R. fabae exhibited maximum effect in wheat plants grown under 2% NaCl and increased seed germination (8%), root length (13%), vigor indices (19%), root biomass (20%), chlorophyll-a (31%), total chlorophyll (27%) and carotenoid content. Additionally, R. fabae increased Cd and NaCl tolerance in wheat seedlings and improved their antioxidative responses. Conclusively, this work demonstrated that EPS-producing R. fabae showed a promising role in mitigating salinity and Cd-stress in wheat possibly by reducing salt and HM stress-induced abrasions and growth promotion via inorganic phosphate solubilization, and increased nutrient absorption. In the future, R. fabae equipped with these distinguishing characteristics may be used as effective bio-inoculants/bio-formulations in agriculture to address salinity and HM stress issues.

The Relationship between Allometric Growth and the Stoichiometric Characteristics of Euhalophyte Suaeda salsa L. Grown in Saline-Alkali Lands: Biological Desalination Potential Prediction.

The morphological adjustments of euhalophytes are well-known to be influenced by the soil-soluble salt variation; however, whether and how these changes in morphological traits alter the biomass allocation pattern remains unclear, especially under different NaCl levels. Therefore, an allometric analysis was applied to investigate the biomass allocation pattern and morphological plasticity, and the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric characteristics of the euhalophyte Suaeda Salsa (S. salsa) at the four soil-soluble salt levels of no salt (NS), light salt (LS), moderate salt (MS), and heavy salt (HS). The results showed that soil-soluble salts significantly change the biomass allocation to the stems and leaves (p < 0.05). With the growth of S. salsa, the NS treatment produced a downward leaf mass ratio (LMR) and upward stem mass ratio (SMR); this finding was completely different from that for the salt treatments. When S. salsa was harvested on the 100th day, the HS treatment had the highest LMR (61%) and the lowest SMR (31%), while the NS treatment was the opposite, with an LMR of 44% and an SMR of 50%. Meanwhile, the soil-soluble salt reshaped the morphological characteristics of S. salsa (e.g., root length, plant height, basal stem diameter, and leaf succulence). Combined with the stoichiometric characteristics, N uptake restriction under salt stress is a vital reason for inhibited stem growth. Although the NS treatment had the highest biomass (48.65 g root box-1), the LS treatment had the highest salt absorption (3.73 g root box-1). In conclusion, S. salsa can change its biomass allocation pattern through morphological adjustments to adapt to different saline-alkali habitats. Moreover, it has an optimal biological desalting effect in lightly saline soil dominated by NaCl.

Effects of sodium nitroprusside foliar application on the growth characteristics and nutrient elements in some grapevine cultivars and rootstocks under salt stress conditions

Grape is a staple crop in many parts of Iran which has shown moderate sensitivity to salinity stress. Water and soil salinity is one of the major environmental stresses that strongly affect the production of agricultural products, including grapes. To overcome the harmful effects of salinity, different methods and materials are used, one of which is the use of nitric oxide. In order to explore the impact of nitric oxide on the mitigation of the negative effects of salinity stress on four grape cultivars and rootstocks (‘Bidaneh Sefid’ (Sultana) and ‘Yaghouti’ cultivars, and 140Ru and 1103 P rootstocks), a pot experiment was performed in a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plants were subjected to three sodium chloride (NaCl) levels of 0 (control), 25, and 50 mM and three levels of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) of 0 (control), 0.5, and 1 mM. Results indicated that increasing SNP concentration caused an increase in growth indices such as leaf area, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves, shoots, and roots, and leaf relative water content (RWC). Furthermore, salinity decreased the concentrations of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and iron (Fe2+) in leaves, while increased the amount of sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Clˉ) as well as the electrolyte leakage (EL). In addition, SNP at 0.5 and 1 mM could increase the growth efficiency and RWC as well as the elements such as K+ and Mg2+ while decreased the absorption of Na+ and Clˉ as well as the EL in plants under salinity. According to the obtained results, SNP at both concentrations (0.5 and 1 mM) had a pronounced effect on reducing the negative effect of salinity in the evaluated grape rootstocks and cultivars. In general, the positive effects of SNP on ‘Yaghouti’ and ‘Bidaneh Sefid’ cultivars were higher than those on 140Ru and 1103 P rootstocks.

Germination test, seedling growth, and physiochemical traits are used to screen okra varieties for salt tolerance

Excess soil salinity is a major stress factor that inhibits plant growth, development, and production. Among the growth stages, seed germination is particularly susceptible to salt stress. Okra, a nutraceutical vegetable, has a low germination percentage. Literature has revealed genetic diversity in okra, which can be studied to develop salt-tolerant varieties. This study examined the salt tolerance of 13 okra varieties using germination tests and then tested five varieties in pot experiments with different NaCl levels (75, 100, and 125 mM NaCl). Results showed that salt levels affected all varieties, with differential variations in stress response. Salt stress reduced agronomic, and physiochemical traits in the studied varieties. In variety “MALAV-27”, the highest salt concentration significantly reduced the shoot length (68.12 %), root length (65.11 %), shoot fresh weight (78.73 %), root fresh weight (68.32 %), shoot dry weight (75.60 %), and root dry weight (75.81 %), along with different physiochemical traits. Variety “NAYAB-F1” performed the best, and maintained the highest shoot length (57.12 %), root length (58.72 %), shoot fresh weight (68.26 %), and root fresh weight (58.34 %), shoot dry weight (69.23 %), root dry weight (62.50 %), and numerous physiochemical traits such as sugar (0.74 μg/g), proline (0.51 μmol/g), and chlorophyll ‘a’ (7.97 mg/g), chlorophyll ‘b’ (9.56 mg/g). The study recommended ‘NAYAB-F1′, ‘Arka anamika’, and ‘Shehzadi’ as salt-tolerant varieties suitable for selection in salt-tolerant okra breeding programs.

Assessment Results of Salinity Stressed F2 Population Originated from Interspecific Hybridization of Eggplant with Wild Relative Solanum incanum L.

Salinity, which is one of the major abiotic stresses, prevails in mostly arid and semiarid areas that is nearly 20% of the world’s cultivated area. Excessive amounts of salt around the plant root zone are detrimental to vegetative growth and economic yield. Today salinization is still severely expanding and posing a great threat to the development of sustainable agriculture. Although eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is considered moderately sensitive, soil salinity mitigates strictly the growth and yield. Eggplant has significant crop wild relatives (CWRs) which are thought to be more tolerant to abiotic stresses and it is substantial to exploit their potential against salinity in hybrid breeding studies. It has previously been proven that Solanum incanum L. has tolerance to salinity stress. This study aimed to improve salinity-tolerant pure eggplant lines. Therefore, the acquired F2 population from interspecific hybridization between the pure line (BATEM-TDC47) with distinctive features from BATEM eggplant gene pool and S. incanum L., were subjected to salinity stress at 150 mM NaCl level with its parents and F1 plants. On the 12th day after the last salt treatment, the plants were evaluated using a 0-5 visual scale. Among the 256 stressed plants, 50 F2 individuals were determined to be salt tolerant. Additionally, some of their morphological and physiological features, such as shoot length, stem diameter, number of leaves, anthocyanin presence, prickliness, malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline levels, were studied and compared to the controls of their parent and F1 plants. Results showed that shoot length and stem diameter decreased dramatically under salt stress. According to the analysis, the average MDA and proline levels of the F2 population were identified as 10.9 µ mol g-1 FW and 8.4 µ mol g-1 FW, respectively. The distinguished 50 F2 plants that showed salinity tolerance were transferred to the greenhouse and self-pollinated to produce the F3 generation.