Salt Tolerance in the Triticeae: Salinity-induced Changes in the Leaf Solute Composition of Some Perennial Triticeae

Abstract

Changes in the leaf solute composition of a number of perennial Triticeae in response to salinity are described. There was variation both within and between species in the extent of Na and Cl accumulation in the leaves. In almost all cases leaf nitrate concentrations decreased substantially and orthophosphate concentrations increased in response to salinity. There was no overall decrease in a range of soluble nitrogen-containing compounds nor in total nitrogen. In Thinopyrum scirpeum there was an inverse relationship between proline and glycinebetaine contents of different tissues, with proline levels higher in older leaves. Concentrations of both compounds were higher in salt-stressed plants.