Co-Authors:
Lazof, D.B., Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, CB 3290, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Bernstein, N., Institute of Soil and Water, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
Abstract:
The inhibition of shoot growth by NaCl salinization is reviewed from the perspective that determination of primary causes must involve evaluation of rapidly growing tissues specifically. Only within the minute volume of tissue comprising the zones of cell division and rapid cell extension can the direct causes of inhibited growth be found. Likewise, only there, can the events be identified which allow the relevancy to be judged of more remote physiological changes. The hypothesis that a disturbance in mineral nutrition might be a primary cause of the NaCl-induced growth inhibition is evaluated within this framework. The review should be considered as an early evaluation of the hypothesis, given the paucity of data specifically relevant to the minute zone of rapid growth and the similar paucity of analyses for nutrients other than potassium, sodium and chloride. Data is reviewed and discussed which reflects on processes related to the maintenance of nutrient transport towards and into the meristem and rapidly extending cells, recognizing that this tissue is rather dissimilar to the whole, or mature shoot both in anatomy and transport properties. Recommendations are made for the development of advanced methods of analysis towards the goal of quantifying alterations in nutrient transport and status within the minute zones of rapid growth. © 1999 Academic Press.