Causes of inter-varietal differences in susceptibility to sodium toxicity injury in Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract

SummaryVarieties of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were grown under both greenhouse and field conditions to determine the causes of inter-varietal differences in susceptibility to sodium toxicity injury. Varieties varied greatly in plant growth and survival on sodic soils under arid conditions. Environmental conditions were very important in determining differences in survival. Chemical analysis of plant parts indicated that varieties accumulated different amounts of sodium in the roots, stems and leaves. Sodium concentration in stems and leaves of sodium-tolerant varieties was controlled to a low level at lower degrees of injury.