Effects of Salt Stress on Salt-Repellent and Salt-Secreting Characteristics of Two Apple Rootstocks

Abstract

The effects of NaCl-induced salinity on biomass allocation, anatomical characteristics of leaves, ion accumulation, salt repellency, and salt secretion ability were investigated in two apple rootstock cultivars (Malus halliana ‘9-1-6’ and Malus baccata), which revealed the physiological adaptive mechanisms of M. halliana ‘9-1-6’ in response to salt stress factors. This experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a nutrient solution pot. Salt stress was simulated by treating the plants with a 100 mM NaCl solution, while 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution was used as a control (CK) instead of the NaCl solution. The results showed that the two rootstocks responded to salt environments by increasing the proportion of root biomass allocation. According to the stress susceptibility index, ‘9-1-6’ exhibits a lower salt sensitivity index and a higher salt tolerance index. The thickness of the leaf, upper and lower epidermis, palisade tissue, and mesophyll tissue compactness (CTR) of the two rootstocks were significantly decreased, while the thickness of sponge tissue and mesophyll tissue looseness (SR) were significantly increased, and the range of ‘9-1-6’ was smaller than that of M. baccata. With an extension of stress time, the accumulation of Na+ increased significantly, and the accumulation of K+ decreased gradually. The stem and leaves of ‘9-1-6’ showed a lower accumulation of Na+ and a higher accumulation of K+, and the roots displayed a higher ability to reject Na+, as well as young and old leaves showed a stronger ability to secrete Na+. In conclusion, within a certain salt concentration range, the ‘9-1-6’ root part can maintain lower salt sensitivity and a higher root-to-shoot ratio by increasing the proportion of root biomass allocation; the aerial part responds to salt stress through thicker leaves and a complete double-layer fence structure; the roots and stem bases can effectively reduce the transportation of Na+ to the aerial parts, as well as effectively secrete Na+ from the aerial parts through young and old leaves, thereby maintaining a higher K+/Na+ ratio in the aerial parts, showing a strong salt tolerance.