Plant growth, metabolism and adaptation in relation to stress conditions. Vi. Differential effects of sodium sulphate on growth and element content of phaseolus vulgaris and zea mays

Abstract

Seeds of Phaseolus and Zea were germinated and then cultured either in Hoagland nutrient solution (1/4-strength) by itself or in combination with different concentrations of Na^SC^. Salinization induced, in general, varied reductions in water content and dry matter accumulation of both Phaseolus and Zea seedlings, whole plants and leaves. On the other hand, the decrease in growth of both plants appeared to be consistent with the accumulation of Na'1- and Mg24' that occurred concurrently with a reduction in K4' and Ca24' contents of seedlings, whole plants and leaves.