Photosynthesis in Salt-Stressed Grapevines

Abstract

Rooted cuttings of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana syn. Thompson Seedless) were grown in sand culture irrigated with nutrient solution containing 1-125 mM NaCl. The effect of salinity on vine growth and photosynthesis is described. Salinity led to reduced growth where foliar symptoms of salt toxicity were absent. Rates of CO2 fixation decreased with increasing levels of chloride in leaves. This decrease in photosynthesis could be largely attributed to increased residual (mesophyll) resistance to CO2 fixation. Radiotracer studies showed that salt stress led to the accumulation of label in intermediates of the glycollate pathway. Salt-stressed leaves contained decreased amounts of sucrose and starch, but increased levels of reducing sugars.