Some physiological variations of Agropyron smithii Rydb. (western wheatgrass) at different salinity levels

Authors

Rengen Ueng, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
Ivo E. Lindauer, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
Warren R. Buss, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological responses of Agropyron smithii Rydb. to various saline environments as evaluated in the laboratory. Agropyron smithii Rydb. (Rosana) seeds were germinated, transplanted into nutrient solutions with NaCl concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM, and grown for 80 days in a growth chamber. Results indicated that leaf water potential, relative water content of leaf tissue, and concentrations of Na, K, and Cl in plant tissue were significantly affected by increasing NaCl concentration. However, leaf chlorophyll concentration and concentrations of Ca and Mg in plant tissue were not significantly affected by the presence of NaCl.

Recommended Citation

Ueng, Rengen; Lindauer, Ivo E.; and Buss, Warren R. (1994) "Some physiological variations of Agropyron smithii Rydb. (western wheatgrass) at different salinity levels," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 54: No. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol54/iss2/12