Ecophysiological and biochemical responses of saltbush subjected to salinity

Abstract

Saltbush, a halophyte species tolerant to salt stress, is an excellent material for the identification of physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in the resistance to salinity. This study aimed at evaluating the ecophysiological and biochemical responses of saltbush plants at the concentrations of 0 mM, 150 mM, 300 mM, 450 mM and 600 mM of NaCl. Biometry, gas exchange and relative content of chlorophyll and proline in the leaves were measured. Plants presented growth stimulation mainly at the levels of 0 mM, 150 mM and 300 mM of NaCl. Regarding gas exchange, plants showed variation in the photosynthetic rate and stomatal regulation, with a small increase in leaf transpiration. Salinity did not significantly alter the chlorophyll contents, but induced an increase in proline contents in all NaCl levels, demonstrating a growth maintenance capacity and indicating the occurrence of osmotic adjustment.