Pod Ca Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of CDPK Gene Family in Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Reveal Their Potential Roles in Response to Ca Deficiency.

This study identified 45 calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) genes in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), which are integral in plant growth, development, and stress responses. These genes, classified into four subgroups based on phylogenetic relationships, are unevenly distributed across all twenty peanut chromosomes. The analysis of the genetic structure of AhCDPKs revealed significant similarity within subgroups, with their expansion primarily driven by whole-genome duplications. The upstream promoter sequences of AhCDPK genes contained 46 cis-acting regulatory elements, associated with various plant responses. Additionally, 13 microRNAs were identified that target 21 AhCDPK genes, suggesting potential post-transcriptional regulation. AhCDPK proteins interacted with respiratory burst oxidase homologs, suggesting their involvement in redox signaling. Gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses affirmed AhCDPK genes' roles in calcium ion binding, protein kinase activity, and environmental adaptation. RNA-seq data revealed diverse expression patterns under different stress conditions. Importantly, 26 AhCDPK genes were significantly induced when exposed to Ca deficiency during the pod stage. During the seedling stage, four AhCDPKs (AhCDPK2/-25/-28/-45) in roots peaked after three hours, suggesting early signaling roles in pod Ca nutrition. These findings provide insights into the roles of CDPK genes in plant development and stress responses, offering potential candidates for predicting calcium levels in peanut seeds.

Calcium Uptake and Whole-plant Water Use Influence Pod Calcium Concentration in Snap Bean Plants

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate xylem transport of calcium (Ca) to snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pods could allow approaches to increase pod Ca concentration and enhance the nutritional value of edible pods. Using the snap bean cultivars Hystyle and Labrador, which exhibit high and low pod Ca levels, respectively, we wished to determine whether there were differences between the two cultivars in stem xylem-sap Ca concentration and whether any differences in sap Ca concentration were related to differences in whole-plant water uptake or Ca import between the cultivars. Well-watered greenhouse-grown plants were placed in a growth chamber at a constant light intensity for an equilibration period. Pot weight loss was measured to determine whole-plant water use and stem xylem exudate was subsequently collected from the severed base of the shoot at flowering and at two stages of pod development. `Hystyle' displayed an exudate Ca concentration that was 50% higher than `Labrador' during pod development. `Labrador' showed 35% greater total water transport through the stem than `Hystyle'. `Labrador' plants also showed a significantly larger leaf area than `Hystyle' plants. Additional plants were used to determine total, long-term Ca influx. No difference was observed between cultivars in total Ca influx into the aerial portion of the plant. With whole-shoot Ca influx being equivalent and pod transpiration rate identical in the two cultivars, our results suggest that the higher whole-plant water uptake in `Labrador' led to a dilution of Ca concentration in the xylem stream and thus less total Ca was transported to developing pods, relative to that in `Hystyle'. Increased transpiration efficiency, enhanced root uptake of Ca, or reduced Ca sequestration in the xylem pathway of the stem could lead to an enhancement in pod Ca concentration in future cultivars of snap bean.

Stomatal Density and Calcium Concentration of Six Snap Bean Cultivars

Stomatal density of pods and leaves were determined for six commercial snap bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L. `Evergreen', `Hystyle', Labrador', `Tenderlake', `Top Crop', and `Venture') grown at three planting dates, in an attempt to find morphological traits that could be related to cultivar differences in pod Ca concentration. Snap beans were planted three times at ≈1-week intervals beginning 15 June 1995, and harvested 59 to 62 days after planting. Stomatal counts were performed using a microscope linked to a video camera, and Ca concentration determinations were made using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Calcium concentration and stomatal density of leaf tissue was higher than that of pods. Cultivar differences for pod Ca concentration (P = 0.001) and stomatal density (P = 0.001) were observed although cultivars with higher pod stomatal density did not necessarily result in higher pod Ca concentration. Calcium concentration and stomatal density for leaves did not differ among cultivars. Stomatal density and Ca concentration of pods were positively correlated (R2 = 0.37), while pod maturity was negatively associated to both pod Ca concentration (R2 = 0.93), and pod stomatal density (R2 = 0.99). The effect of planting dates was absent in pod Ca concentration and significant in pod stomatal density.

Xylem Flow Rate Differences Are Associated with Genetic Variation in Snap Bean Pod Calcium Concentration

Two commercial snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (Hystyle and Labrador) that differ in pod Ca concentration were grown aeroponically to assess physiological factors associated with these differences. Xylem flow rate, Ca absorbed, and Ca concentration in sieve sap and pods (all and commercial size no. 4) were measured. Flow rate, Ca absorption and pod Ca concentration, but not sap Ca concentration, differed between cultivars, and this suggests that genetic variability in pod Ca concentration is caused mainly by differences in flow rate, rather than differences in sap Ca concentration. `Hystyle' showed 1.6 times greater flow rate, 1.5 times greater pod Ca concentration, and 1.7 times greater Ca absorbed than `Labrador'. Flow rate correlated positively with Ca absorbed (R = 0.90), Ca concentration in pods of size no. 4 (R = 0.55), and total pods (R = 0.65). Plant maturity influenced sap Ca concentration and Ca translocated increased as plant matured. These results provide evidence that flow rate differences may cause variability for pod Ca concentration in snap beans.

Differences in Pod Calcium Concentration for Eight Snap Bean and Dry Bean Cultivars

This study was designed to compare snap and dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for pod Ca concentration, and to identify genetic resources that might be useful in breeding programs directed to increase Ca concentration in bean pods. Pods from eight snap bean and eight dry bean cultivars were evaluated for Ca concentration during 1995 and 1996 at Hancock, Wis. A randomized complete-block design was utilized with three replications in 1995 and six in 1996. Beans were planted in June and hand-harvested in August for both experiments. Soil Ca at planting time was 580 mg·kg–1 in 1995 and 500 mg·kg–1 in 1996. No additional Ca was added. Plots consisted of 10 plants each. At harvest, a pooled sample of 10 to 15 size no. 4 pods was collected from each plot. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to determine Ca content. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were detected among and within bean types (dry and snap). Although bean type × year interaction was nonsignificant, a strong year effect was observed (P ≤ 0.01). Snap beans (4.6 ± 0.7 mg·g–1 dry weight) had significantly higher pod Ca concentration than did dry beans (4.2 ± 0.6 mg·g–1 dry weight). Within snap beans, `Checkmate' had the highest pod Ca concentration (5.5 ± 0.3 mg·g–1 dry weight) and `Nelson' the lowest (3.8 ± 0.3 mg·g–1 dry weight). Within dry beans, `GO122' had the highest (5.1 ± 0.4 mg·g–1 dry weight) and `Porrillo 70' the lowest pod Ca concentration (3.6 ± 0.3 mg·g–1 dry weight). Six cultivars had pod Ca concentrations significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher than the overall mean (4.4 ± 0.3 mg·g–1 dry weight).

Calcium Fertilizers Fail to Affect Pod Calcium Concentration and Yield of Four Snap Bean Cultivars

To measure the effect of added Ca fertilizer on the Ca concentration of snap bean pods, four snap bean cultivars were grown during Summer 1996 and 1997 at Hancock, Wis. Fertilizer treatments consisted of 80 kg of Ca per hectare applied as Ca sulfate (CaSO4·2H2O) or Ca nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], and the control (no Ca applied. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with a factorial set of treatments (4 × 3). Calcium sulfate was applied at planting, whereas Ca nitrate was split applied four times at weekly intervals starting 1 week before flowering. Yield and Ca concentration in pods were determined. The statistical analysis showed no significant effect of Ca fertilizers on pod Ca concentration or yield. A strong cultivar effect was detected for both parameters measured. `Evergreen' (5.47 mg Ca per gram dry weight) had the highest pod Ca concentration and `Labrador' (4.10 mg Ca per gram dry weight) the lowest. No significant fertilizer × cultivar interactions were observed. Results for pod Ca concentration remained consistent, even when significant year effects were found for both parameters.

Comparison of Pod Calcium Concentration between Two Snap Bean Populations

To understand the genetics that control pod Ca concentration in snap beans, two snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) populations consisting of 60 genotypes, plus 4 commercial cultivars used as checks, were evaluated during Summers 1995 and 1996 at Hancock, Wis. These populations were CA2 (`Evergreen' × `Top Crop') and CA3 (`Evergreen' × `Slimgreen'). The experimental design was an 8×8 double lattice repeated each year. No Ca was added to the plants grown in a sandy loam soil with 1% organic matter and an average of 540 ppm Ca. To ensure proper comparison for pod Ca concentration among cultivars, only commercial sieve size no. 4 pods (a premium grade, 8.3 to 9.5 mm in diameter) were sampled and used for Ca extractions. After Ca was extracted, readings for Ca concentration were done via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In both populations, genotypes and years differed for pod Ca concentration (P = 0.001). Several snap bean genotypes showed pod Ca concentrations higher than the best of the checks. Overall mean pod Ca concentration ranged from a low of 3.82 to a high of 6.80 mg·g-1 dry weight. No differences were detected between the populations. Significant year×genotype interaction was observed in CA2 (P = 0.1), but was not present in CA3. Population variances proved to be homogeneous. Heritability for pod Ca concentration ranged from 0.48 (CA2) to 0.50 (CA3). Evidently enhancement of pod Ca concentration in beans can successfully be accomplished through plant breeding.

Influence of Pod Stomatal Density and Pod Transpiration on the Calcium Concentration of Snap Bean Pods

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate xylem transport of calcium (Ca) to snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pods could allow approaches to enhance pod Ca levels, and thereby improve the value of this food source for humans. Pods of greenhouse-grown plants of `Hystyle', `Labrador', `Tendergreen', `Green Crop', `BBL94', and `Gold Crop' were examined for stomatal density and rates of pod transpiration throughout pod development. Among pods ranging from 6 to 14 mm in diameter, Ca concentration and pod stomatal density varied inversely with increasing diameter in all cultivars; Ca concentration for pods of a given diameter also varied among cultivars. To assess the influence of pod stomatal density on pod transpiration, water loss was measured from detached pods of `Hystyle' and `Labrador', which have high and low pod stomatal densities, respectively. Pod transpiration rates were similar for the two cultivars, being ≈15% the rate measured in leaves under equivalent conditions, and comparable to rates of cuticular transpiration measured in leaves with closed stomates. These results suggest that pod stomates have no role, or have only a limited role, in pod transpiration. Pods of `Hystyle' and `Labrador' were placed in enclosures that maintained constant high- or low-humidity environments throughout pod development. For each cultivar, the high-humidity environment led to lower pod Ca concentrations, demonstrating that pod transpiration does have a significant impact on pod Ca accretion. However, `Hystyle' consistently exhibited higher pod Ca concentrations, relative to `Labrador', suggesting that differences in xylem sap Ca concentration may have been responsible for cultivar differences in pod Ca concentration.

Calcium Uptake and Whole-plant Water Use Influence Pod Calcium Concentration in Green Bean Plants

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate xylem transport of calcium (Ca) to green bean pods could allow approaches to increase pod Ca concentrations and enhance the nutritional value of edible pods. Using the green bean cultivars `Hystyle' and `Labrador', that exhibit high and low pod Ca levels respectively, we wished to determine whether observed differences in Ca concentration of stem xylem-sap were related to differences in whole-plant water uptake and Ca import. Well-watered greenhouse-grown plants, selected at flowering and at two stages of pod development, were placed in a growth chamber at a constant light intensity. Pot weight loss was measured to determine whole-plant water use and stem xylem exudate was subsequently collected from the severed base of the shoot. `Hystyle' displayed 50% higher Ca concentration in exudate than `Labrador' during pod development. Labrador showed 35% greater total water transport through the stem than `Hystyle'. Additional plants were used to determine total, long-term Ca uptake. No significant differences in total Ca were seen between cultivars at the three harvest dates. With whole-plant Ca uptake being equivalent, the results suggest that higher water uptake in `Labrador' led to a dilution of Ca in the xylem stream and thus less total Ca was transported to developing pods, relative to that in `Hystyle'. These results reveal that green bean varieties with low whole-plant water use have the potential to yield edible pods with elevated Ca content.

Inheritance of Pod Calcium Concentration in Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Significant variation for pod Ca concentration among snap bean genotypes was previously observed. To evaluate and better understand the genetics that control calcium concentration of pods in snap bean, two populations of snap beans were evaluated during the summers of 1995 and 1996 at Hancock, Wis. These populations were Ca2 (`Top Crop' × `Evergreen') and Ca3 (`Slimgreen' × `Evergreen'), therefore forming a half-sib structure. The experimental design used in this experiment was an 8 × 8 double lattice repeated each year. No calcium was added to the plants, which were grown in a sandy loam soil with 1% organic matter and 600 ppm Ca. To ensure proper comparison for pod calcium concentration among cultivars, only commercial sieve size number 4 pods (a premium grade, 8.3 to 9.5 mm in diameter) were sampled and used for calcium extractions. After calcium was extracted, readings for calcium concentration of extracts were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Statistical analyses resulted in distinct differences among genotypes and between years for pod calcium concentration (P = 0.01) in both populations. No significant year × genotype interactions were observed. To assess the power of selection for pod calcium concentration in snap beans, variance components and heritabilities are estimated and discussed.

An Evaluation for Pod Calcium Concentration between Eight Commercial Cultivars of Snap Beans and Eight of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

We have previously observed significant variation for pod Ca concentration among snap bean genotypes. In the present experiment, we compare pod Ca concentration between snap bean and dry bean genotypes. Eight snap bean cultivars and eight dry bean cultivars were chosen to be evaluated for pod Ca concentration in summers of 1995 and 1996 at Hancock, Wis. The experimental design consisted in randomized complete blocks with three replications in 1995 and six in 1996. Snap and dry beans were planted in June and hand-harvested in August for both experiments. Soil analysis showed 430 ppm of Ca in soil at time of planting. No additional Ca was applied. Plots consisted of 10 plants each. Harvesting was made by collecting a pooled sample of medium size pods from the 10 plants. Ca determinations were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was presented as mg of Ca per gram of dry weight, pooled from both years, and analyzed using SAS. Results reflected significant differences between genotypes. Checkmate (5.5) showed the highest pod calcium concentrations and Labrador (3.9) the lowest among snap beans. G0122 (5.1) resulted in the highest and Porrillo (3.6) the lowest within dry beans Results were consistent across years. Snap beans (4.6) presented significantly higher pod calcium concentration than dry beans (4.2). Apparently, snap bean genotypes have the ability to absorb calcium from the soil more efficiently than dry bean genotypes, and this phenomenon is not significantly influenced by environmental factors.

Flow Rate as an Important Physiological Factor Associated to Calcium Concentration in Pods of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants Grown Aeroponically

To understand physiological factors associated with genetic differences for pod Ca concentration between snap bean genotypes, flow rate and Ca uptake of sieve sap were measured, as well as pod Ca concentration. Measurements for flow rate and Ca uptake were done at three developmental stages (fl owering and 1 and 3 weeks after) in two commercial snap bean cultivars (Hystyle and Labrador) grown aeroponically. Pods were collected 2 weeks after flowering only. Flow rate and Ca uptake sampling began 4 weeks after transplanting and consisted of: 1) decapitation of the plant at the first node; 2) covering the stem with pre-weighed dry cotton; and 3) removing the cotton, reweighing it, and saving it for Ca determination. Flow rate was defined as the difference in cotton weight (expressed as ml) per 17 hr divided by foliage mass. Ca uptake was defined as mg of Ca per total volume of sieve sap after 17 hr divided by foliage mass. Ca determinations were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A positive correlation between flow rate and total Ca uptake of sieve sap (R2 = 0.90), flow rate and pod Ca concentration (R2 = 0.47), and Ca uptake and pod Ca concentration (R2 = 0.42) were found. Hystyle reflected 1.5 times more flow rate and pod Ca concentration than Labrador. Significant differences between genotypes for pod Ca concentration, Ca uptake, and flow rate were observed. Results were consistent across developmental stages.

Variation in Calcium Concentration among Sixty S1 Families and Four Cultivars of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

To assess nutritional potential, pod yield, and Ca concentration of pods and foliage were determined for a snap bean population, which included sixty S1 families plus four commercial varieties. The experimental design was an 8 × 8 double lattice, repeated at two locations (Arlington and Hancock, Wis.). Snap beans were planted in June 1993 and machine harvested in August 1993. Calcium analyses were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Significant differences were detected in pod Ca concentration and yield among the S1 families. Pod size and Ca concentration were inversely correlated (R2 = 0.88). Distinct differences between the locations were not observed, and higher Ca genotypes remained high regardless of location or pod size. Low correlation (R2 = 0.21) between pod and leaf Ca concentration was found. Pods of certain genotypes appeared to have the ability to import Ca more efficiently than others, but this factor was not related to yield.

Flow Rate as a Major Physiological Factor Influencing Calcium Content on Six Commercial Cultivars of Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Flow rate, Ca content, and Ca concentration of sieve sap were measured at four developmental stages (flowering and 1, 2, and 3 weeks after flowering) in six commercial snap bean cultivars to better understand physiological factors associated with genetic differences for pod Ca concentration. Sampling began 5 weeks after greenhouse planting and consisted of 1) decapitation of the plant at the first node; 2) covering the stem with preweighed dry cotton; and 3) removing the cotton, reweighing it, and saving it for Ca determination. Flow rate was defined as the difference in cotton weight (expressed as milliliter) per 12 hours. Ca determinations were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Calcium content was defined as milligram of Ca per total volume of sieve sap after 12 hours. Concentration of Ca was the quotient of Ca content by flow rate (expressed as milligrams Ca per milliliter sap). A positive correlation between flow rate and total Ca content of sieve sap (R2 = 0.83), flow rate and Ca concentration of sieve sap (R2 = 0.36), and Ca content and Ca concentration (R2 = 0.80) were found. Maturity appeared to be an important factor affecting flow rate and Ca influx in snap bean plants. Significant differences between genotypes for Ca content and flow rate were observed. High Ca genotypes reflected a high flow rate regardless developmental stage.

Evaluation of Stomatal Density and Calcium Concentration on Pods of Six Commercial Cultivars of Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Four Planting Dates

Pod stomatal density and Ca concentration levels were analyzed for six commercial snap bean cultivars harvested at four planting dates in an attempt to find morphological traits that are related to cultivar differences in pod Ca concentration. The experimental layout was a randomized complete-block design with two replications per planting date, all grown in one location. Snap beans were planted at 1 week intervals beginning 9 June 9 1995 and were harvested in August. Sampling consisted of five pod sizes (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to commercial standards) from each genotype. Stomatal countings were performed using a microscope linked to a television camera. Determinations for pod Ca concentration were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. No differences were detected for pod Ca concentration among planting dates, although there were differences for pod Ca concentration and stomata density among cultivars. Pod stomatal density was positively correlated to pod Ca concentration (R2 = 0.60), while pod maturity appeared to be negatively correlated to pod Ca concentration (R2 = 0.37) and pod stomatal density (R2 = 0.49).

Influence of Whole-plant Net Calcium Influx and Partitioning on Calcium Concentration in Snap Bean Pods

Snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a food source that can contribute to dietary Ca requirements in humans. Factors which might enhance the concentration of Ca in snap bean pods have been investigated by measuring whole-plant net Ca influx, whole-plant Ca partitioning, and various growth parameters in two snap bean cultivars—Hystyle and Labrador—that differ in pod Ca concentration. Plants were grown hydroponically under controlled environmental conditions while being provided adequate quantities of Ca. The concentration of Ca in pods (dry weight basis) was 52% higher in `Hystyle', relative to `Labrador', but net Ca influx throughout crop development or total plant Ca content at three stages of development were similar in both cultivars, demonstrating that pod Ca concentration differences were not due to differences in total plant Ca influx. However, `Hystyle' partitioned more total plant Ca to pods, relative to `Labrador'. Calcium flux analysis also revealed that daily rates of whole-plant net Ca influx gradually declined throughout the period of pod growth in both cultivars; this decline was not related to whole-plant water influx. These results suggest that enhancements in whole-plant net Ca influx during pod growth and/or enhancements in the xylem transport of absorbed Ca to developing pods could increase the Ca concentration of snap bean pods.

Variation for Calcium Concentration among 64 Genotypes of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Calcium is an essential element for human nutrition. The lack of it causes various problems, such as osteoporosis. Snap beans rank as good sources of calcium among vegetables and are well-liked by most teenagers. In this study, pod yield and Ca concentration were analyzed for 64 genotypes of snap beans, plus four checks. The experimental design was a 8 x 8 double lattice, repeated at two locations (Arlington and Hancock, Wis.). Snap beans were planted in June 1993 and machine-harvested 67 days later, in Aug. 1993. Calcium analyses were made using an Atomic Absorption Spectometer. Results indicated significant differences for pod Ca concentration and yield. Pod size and Ca concentration showed a strong negative correlation (R = 89.5). Clear differences among the locations were also observed. Results were consistent—high-Ca genotypes remained high regardless of location or pod size. Selected genotypes appeared to have the ability to absorb Ca easier than others, but this factor was not related to yield.

Response of Virginia‐type peanuts under conservational tillage to gypsum

Abstract When peanut is grown under conservational tillage systems which leave residue on the surface, yields are lower than under conventional tillage. There is evidence that nutrition plays a roll in the lower yields. In this study, Virginia‐type peanuts were grown under conventional and conservational tillage to determine tillage influence on soil and leaf Ca levels and to evaluate yield response to extra gypsum. The Virginia‐type peanut cultivar NC 6 was grown under conventional till (CT) and conservational (NT) systems with three cultivation levels and two gypsum application levels applied to the NT system. Yields were lower in the NT system than in the CT system. Yields in the NT system did not respond to cultivation or gypsum rate. Seed and pod Ca increased with increased gypsum application as did soil Ca. Soil Ca increased with gypsum application. The lack of yield response to cultivation suggests that yield losses occur because of differences early in the growing season. Additional work is needed to overcome the peanut yield loss associated with tillage systems which leave residue on the soil surface.

The influence of plant growth habit on calcium nutrition of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pods

In field experiments in India and Niger runner and bunch groundnut cultivars were compared for their pod distribution pattern and its relevance to the calcium (Ca) supply for pod development. Bunch cultivars produced sixty to eighty percent of their pods within 5 cm of the tap root. Runner cultivars explored a radius of up to 30 cm for pod production and exploited the soil area in a more homogeneous manner than bunch types. The available soil volume per pod was 19 to 27 cm3 for bunch types and 43 to 46 cm3 for runner types, varying the potential for Ca competition between pods. Computation of the soil Ca content needed to satisfy pod Ca requirements showed that much higher concentrations were needed for the bunch cultivars than for the runners. No significant differences in Ca content of pods existed between bunch and runner cultivars. However, in the runner cultivars, the Ca content of the more widely dispersed pods in outer zones was greater than that of the more densely populated inner pod zones. Regression analysis of shelling percentage across a range of environments showed that the shelling percentage of runners declined less rapidly than did the shelling percent of bunch types, indicating that runners were more efficient in exploiting Ca at lower soil Ca availability than the bunch types.

Peanut Pod Development in Pegging and Rooting Zones Salinized with Sodium Chloride

Subterranean pods of ‘Shulamit’ peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) absorb water and nutrients from the pegging zone. Therefore high concentrations of inorganic salts such as NaCI in the pegging zone may influence pod development. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the levels of NaCI in the pegging and rooting zones that inhibit pod development and caused seed damage. Plants were grown in containers that had separate compartments for pegging media of sand and rooting media of solution culture. Different levels of NaCI were either present in the pegging zone, the rooting zone, or both zones. Application of 35 mM NaCI to only the pegging zone caused dark areas on the inner faces of the cotyledons of seed in mature pods but did not significantly affect the weight of the individual seed. Higher levels (70 and 105 mM NaCI) caused additional symptoms of seed damage prior to pod maturity and much lower seed weight, but did not affect pod area at the plane of dehiscence. Pod Na and CI had similar, linear relationships with pegging zone NaCI. Pod Ca was correlated negatively with pegging zone NaCI. Application of NaCI to both zones inhibited pod growth and promoted vegetative growth (in comparison to plants that only received NaCI in the rooting zone). Concentrations less than 40 mM NaCl in the rooting zone caused lower weights of individual pods and seed. Also plants with less than 40 mM NaCI in the rooting zone produced less vegetative weight and an increased percentage of small, immature pods was observed. Rooting zone NaCI did not result in symptoms of seed damage, as did pegging zone NaCl.