Abstract

Aspects of salt tolerance of Salicornia pacifica were investigated. Survival of this plant in a saline environment is due to many interacting factors. A soil pH of 7.5 to 8.0 +- 0.2 and a constant sub-surface soil moisture level of 25 to 35% are necessary for plant survival. A fluctuating lower soil moisture leevel and higher pH favor etablishment of Distichlis stricta. The ion content in S. pacifica remained constant despite increased moisture stress throughout the growing season due to accumulation of salts which were significantly higher in the surface soil layers than in the subsurface layers around the roots. High salt concentrations in the soil are diluted by winter precipitation which allows for germination of seeds of S. pacifica. The seeds contain a seed coat inhibitor which appears to be sodium chloride. The seeds require a light stimuli for germination. Each internode of the plant was found to be osmotically independent. Chloride ions were distributed in each tissue, cell, and oganelle. The most likely inference about salt tolerance in S. pacifica is that sensitive enzyme systems are protected from the harmful efects of salt by other proteins of the cell.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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