Effect of Chloride Salinization on Barley Seedlings

Abstract

The influence of moderate and strong chloride salinity on seedlings of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Nur variety was studied under controlled environment conditions. Exposure of seedlings to both moderate (100 mM) and high concentrations (200 mM) of NaCl for 7 days led to a slowdown in the growth of their roots and shoots. At the same time, in the variant using NaCl in moderate concentration, an increase in the content of pigments was noted in the leaves of seedlings (chlorophylls and carotenoids by 25 and 22%, respectively). Also the photosynthesis rate decreased by 25% (relative to the control). In contrast, under the influence of a high concentration of NaCl, the content of pigments, as well as stomatal conductance, decreased markedly, which was accompanied by an almost twofold slowdown in the rate of photosynthesis. At the same time, transpiration was inhibited and tissue hydration decreased. It was concluded that the resistance of barley to NaCl can be judged already in the early phases of plant development. It is also noted that the most sensitive to the presence of NaCl in the root environment are easily recorded morpho-physiological indicators – the linear size of the shoot and its raw biomass.