Effects of salinity on in vitro growth and photosynthesis of common centaury (Centaurium erythraea Rafn.)

Abstract

The effects of salinity on in vitro growth, morphogenesis, photosynthetic rate (Pn), PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm), and chlorophyll content were investigated in Centaurium erythraea Rafn. Root growth was more adversely affected by increasing NaCl concentration than was shoot growth. High salt concentrations were effective in induction of axillary and adventitious buds on shoots, with 400 mM NaCl being the most efficient one. Values of Pn and Fv/Fm increased at moderate salt levels, but decreased when 400 mM NaCl was applied. Chlorophyll a and b contents and total chlorophyll had a decreasing trend with increasing supply of NaCl in the growth medium. .