Orange Varieties as Interstocks Increase the Salt Tolerance of Lemon Trees

Authors : V. Gimeno; J.P. Syvertsen; M. Nieves; I. Simón; V. Martínez ; F. Garcia-sanchez

Source : Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology Vol.: 84, No.: 6, November 2009 [Page 625-631]
KeyWord(s) : Salt Tolerance;Oranges;Greenhouse Conditions;Nutrient Solutions;Leaf Growth;Water Potentials

Abstract

We investigated the ability of interstocks to increase salt tolerance in lemon trees.We

compared 2-year-old ‘Verna’ lemon trees [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.; VL] grafted on
Sour Orange (C. aurantium L.; SO) rootstock either without an interstock (VL/SO), or
interstocked with ‘Valencia’ orange (C. sinensis Osbeck;VL/V/SO), or with
‘Castellano’ orange (C. sinensis Osbeck; VL/C/SO). Trees were grown under
greenhouse conditions and supplied with nutrient solutions containing 0, 30, or 60 mM
NaCl. Reductions in leaf growth caused by salt treatment were greatest in non-
interstocked (VL/SO) trees, followed by VL/C/SO trees, and were the least in
VL/V/SO trees. Although the levels of Cl - and Na + ions in the roots and stems were
not affected by either interstock, leaf concentrations of Cl - and Na + were higher in
VL/SO trees than in VL/C/SO or VL/V/SO trees, suggesting that an interstock in
Citrus trees could limit the uptake and transport of such ions to the shoots. Saline-
treated VL/SO trees also tended to have the lowest shoot:root (S:R) ratios; so, overall,
there was a negative relationship between S:R ratio and leaf Cl - ion concentration.
Leaf transpiration (Eleaf) may also be involved in the reduction in leaf Cl -
concentration, as interstocked trees had lower Eleaf values at mid-day than non-
interstocked trees. Salinity increased leaf concentrations of Ca 2+ in VL/C/SO trees and
increased both leaf K + and N concentrations in all trees, regardless of interstock.
Salinity reduced leaf water potentials and osmotic potentials, such that leaf turgor was
increased in all trees.
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Substrate Type and Salinity Affect Growth Allocation, Tissue Ion Concentrations, and
Physiological Responses of Carrizo Citrange Seedlings
Authors : Francisco García-Sánchez ; James P. Syvertsen
Author Address : Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
Source : HortScience Vol.: 44, No.: 5, August 2009 [Page 1432–1437]
KeyWord(s) : Physiological Responses;Seedlings;Substrates;Ion Concentrations;Salinity Tolerance;Citrus Rootstock

Abstract

To gain insight into salinity tolerance of citrus, we studied growth, leaf, and root Cl–
concentrations and physiological responses of 5-month-old seedlings of the citrus
rootstock Carrizo citrange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. x Poncirus trifoliate L.] grown in
a greenhouse in three different substrates: Candler sand soil, Floridana sandy clay soil,
or a commercial soilless peat/perlite/vermiculite potting media. Plants were kept well-
watered with a complete nutrient solution plus either no salt (control) or 50 mM NaCl
for 9 weeks. Without salinity, substrate type did not affect total plant growth although
there were differences in shoot/root dry weight ratio and mineral nutrient relationships
attributable to substrate. Predawn leaf water potential, midday CO2 assimilation, and
leaf water use efficiency were highest in seedlings grown in the soilless peat. The salt
treatment decreased leaf and root growth, reduced leaf Ca2+, and increased leaf K+
concentration in all the three substrates. Overall, plant growth was negatively related to
leaf Cl–. Leaf growth reductions were least in Candler-grown seedlings and greatest in
 Floridana soil as Cl– concentrations were lowest in Candler sand and highest in
Floridana soil. Leaf Na+ was also highest in Floridana seedlings. In contrast to salt ions
in leaves, roots of salinized seedlings in Candler sand had the highest Na+ and Cl–
concentration. Salinity reduced net gas exchange of leaves similarly in all three
substrates. Salinity reduced both leaf water potential and osmotic potential such that
leaf turgor was increased. Thus, salinity-induced reductions in growth and net gas
exchange were not the result of loss of turgor but more likely resulting from toxic ion
accumulation in leaves. Based on the relative rankings of leaf growth and leaf Cl–
concentrations, Carrizo seedlings from Candler sand had the highest salt tolerance and
those grown in Floridana soil had the lowest salt tolerance. Substrate type should be
considered when characterizing plant growth and physiological responses to salinity.
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Investigations of in vitro Selection for Salt Tolerant Lines in Sour Orange (Citrus aurantium
L.)
Authors : N.K. Koc; B. Bas; M. Koc ; M. Kusek
Source : Biotechnology Vol.: 8, No.: 1, 2009 [Page 155-159]

Abstract

The present study was conducted to create new stable somaclonal variants of sour
orange in citrus. Embryogenic calli of Citrus aurantium that used widely as a
rootstock were successfully used in vitro selection for salt tolerance. Calli were
cultured on basal MT medium containing three different concentrations of NaCl 100,
200 and 300 mmol. A great number of salt tolerant cell lines were isolated evaluating
some morphological aspects of the callus material then, totally 67 plantlets were
obtained from embryoids of these selected callus clusters from selective medium
containing of 100 mmol NaCl. Further attempts should be made to support the level
of salt tolerance through physiological and biochemical analysis.
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Effect of Calcium on the Ion Status and Growth Performance of a Citrus Rootstock Grown under NaCl
Stress
Reprint Author E-mail : cchatz@agro.duth.gr
Authors : Christos Chatzissavvidis; Ioannis Papadakis; Ioannis Therios
Author Address : Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada and School of Agriculture, Aristotle
University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Source : Soil Science & Plant Nutrition Vol.: 54, No.: 6, December 2008 [Page 910-915]
KeyWord(s) : calcium ; Citrus ; NaCl ; salinity ; toxicity

Abstract

Two-year-old own-rooted sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) plants grown in a

greenhouse were irrigated for 15 weeks with Hoagland nutrient solutions containing
either NaCl (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 mmol L−1) or a combination of salts NaCl +
CaCl2·2H2O (10 + 10 mmol L−1, 20 + 20 mmol L−1, 30 + 30 mmol L−1, 40 + 40 mmol L−1
and 50 + 50 mmol L−1). The effect of the combined treatments on vegetative growth
(fresh matter) was similar to the effect of NaCl. Salinity did not affect the leaf water
potential, but did significantly increase the water content of the leaves and the shoot : root
ratio (fresh matter). Furthermore, the N concentration of the leaves and the Mg
concentration of the new stems were reduced, whereas the K concentrations of the leaves
increased. Salinity led to a general increase in Na and Cl concentrations in all plant parts.
Chloride concentrations were significantly greater than the corresponding Na values in all
tissues. Little or no effect of salinity was recorded with regard to the P, Fe, Mn and Zn
concentrations. The addition of Ca to the nutrient solution in the form of CaCl2·2H2O
decreased the Na and Cl concentrations in the leaves. Thus, the application of CaCl2·2H2O
might mitigate the accumulation of these toxic ions caused by NaCl.

Evaluation of Citrus Rootstocks for the High pH, Calcareous Soils of South Texas
Reprint Author E-mail : elouzada@ag.tamu.edu
Authors : E. S. Louzada; H. S. Del Rio; M. Sétamou; J. W. Watson ; D. M. Swietlik
Author Address : Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Citrus Center, 312 N. International Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596, USA
Source : Euphytica Vol.: 164, No.: 1, November 2008 [Page 13-18]
KeyWord(s) : Citrus tristeza virus ; Brown citrus aphid; Salinity; Sour orange; Grapefruit

Abstract

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is one of the most devastating disease in areas where sweet orange or grapefruit are budded onto sour orange rootstock.
In Texas, the citrus industry is located in the far south of the state in a high pH and calcareous soils region, which makes sour orange the best
rootstock option. The Texas industry has been under a threat since the arrival in Florida and Mexico of the most efficient vector of CTV, the Brown
Citrus Aphid. In an attempt to find a suitable replacement for sour orange rootstock a field trial was performed to evaluate 10 rootstocks with Rio Red
grapefruit scion. Trees on C35 and Carrizo citranges, and Swingle citrumelo became very chlorotic and died. The other rootstocks also showed slight to
severe chlorosis but were able to recover. C22 outperformed all rootstocks during the 6 years, producing more than 1.5 times the yield of sour orange,
and ˜2-fold the production of Goutou which was the rootstock with the lowest production. Although significantly lower than C22, the cumulative
production of trees on C57 and C146 rootstocks were excellent and their yearly fruit productions were similar to that of C22 in four (2001, 2003, 2004,
and 2005) out of the 6 years of study. All three rootstocks originated from the same cross (Sunki mandarin × Swingle trifoliate orange). In all years,
sour orange rootstock yielded the highest percentage of soluble solids (SS) and Troyer and Goutou rootstocks the lowest. Although the SS varied with
rootstocks, the ratio of the SS and the percentage of acid did not significantly vary with rootstock type. Considering that C22, C57, and C146 are
tolerant to CTV and other important diseases, these rootstocks are good options to replace Sour orange in Texas

Tetraploid Citrus Rootstocks are more Tolerant to Salt Stress than Diploid
Reprint Author E-mail : raphael.morillon@cirad.fr
Authors : Basel Saleh; Thierry Allario; Dominique Dambier; Patrick Ollitrault; Raphael Morillon
Author Address : Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), UPR amélioration génétique
des espèces à multiplication végétative, avenue Agropolis - TA A-75 / 02, 34398 Montpellier cedex 5, France
Source : Comptes Rendus Biologies Vol.: 331, No.: 9, September 2008 [Page 703-710]
KeyWord(s) : Citrus; Polyploidy; Rootstocks; Salt stress

Abstract

Citrus trees are subject to several abiotic constraints such as salinity. Providing new rootstocks more tolerant is thus a requirement. In this article, we
investigated salt stress tolerance of three tetraploid rootstock genotypes when compared to their respective diploid rootstocks (Poncirus trifoliata, Carrizo
citrange, Cleopatra mandarin). Plant growth, leaf fall and ion contents were investigated. At the end of the experiment, leaf fall was observed only for
diploid Poncirus trifoliata plants as well as chlorosis symptoms for Poncirus trifoliata and Carrizo citrange diploid plants. The diploid Cleopatra mandarin
plants growth rate was not affected by salt stress and has even been increased for tetraploid Cleopatra mandarin. Ion contents investigation has shown
lower accumulations of chloride ions in leaves of the tetraploid plants when compared to diploid plants. Our results suggest that citrus tetraploid
rootstocks are more tolerant to salt stress than their corresponding diploid. To cite this article: B. Saleh et al., C. R. Biologies 331 (2008).

Managing Salinity in Citrus

Reprint Author E-mail : bjboman@ifas.ufl.edu
Authors : Brian J. Boman; Mongi Zekri; Ed Stover
Author Address : University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 S. Rock Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34945
Source : HortTechnology Vol.: 15, No.: 1, January 2005 [Page 108-113]
KeyWord(s) : Citrus;Salinity Levels;Irrigation Frequency;Salt Tolerance;Fertigation

Abstract

Although citrus (Citrus spp.) is sensitive to salinity, acceptable production can be

achieved with moderate salinity levels, depending on the climate, scion cultivar,
rootstock, and irrigation-fertilizer management. Irrigation scheduling is a key factor in
managing salinity in areas with salinity problems. Increasing irrigation frequency and
applying water in excess of the crop water requirement are recommended to leach the
salts and minimize the salt concentration in the root zone. Overhead sprinkler irrigation
should be avoided when using water containing high levels of salts because salt
residues can accumulate on the foliage and cause serious injury. Much of the leaf and
trunk damage associated with direct foliar uptake of salts can be reduced by using
microirrigation systems. Frequent fertilization using low rates is recommended through
fertigation or broadcast application of dry fertilizers. Nutrient sources should have a
relatively low salt index and not contain chloride (Cl) or sodium (Na). In areas where
 Na accumulates in soils, application of calcium (Ca) sources (e.g., gypsum) has been
found to reduce the deleterious effect of Na and improve plant growth under saline
conditions. Adapting plants to saline environments and increasing salt tolerance
through breeding and genetic manipulation is another important method for managing
salinity.
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Salinity Effects on Florida Grapefruit in the Indian River Region

Reprint
Author E- : bjboman@ifas.ufl.edu
mail
Authors : Brian J. Boman

Source : HortTechnology Vol.: 15, No.: 1, January 2005 [Page 89-95]

KeyWord(s) : Grapefruit;Florida;Irrigation Water;Salinity Levels;Fruit quality

Abstract

A study was initiated in the 1997–98 production season to evaluate the effects of salinity on grapefruit yield and fruit quality in the
Indian River area of Florida. The experiment was conducted on ‘Ray Ruby’ grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) planted in 1990 on ‘Carrizo’
citrange (C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) and ‘Swingle’ citrumelo (C. paradisi × P. trifoliata) rootstocks. Trees were planted on 15.2-
m-wide (50 ft) double-row beds at a spacing of 4.6 m (15 ft) in-row × 7.3 m (24 ft) across-row [286.6 trees/ha (116 trees/acre)].
The control treatment was irrigated via microsprinkler emitters with water from a surficial aquifer well with an electrical conductivity
(EC) of 0.7 dS·m–1. Higher irrigation water salinity levels were achieved by injecting a sea water brine mixture into the supply water
to achieve ECs of 2.3, 3.9, and 5.5 dS·m–1. A wide range of rainfall and irrigation conditions occurred during the years encompassed
by these studies, with rain totaling 1262, 1294, 1462, and 964 mm (49.7, 50.9, 57.6, and 38.0 inches) for 1997, 1998, 1999, and
2000, respectively. Salinity level had little effect on internal juice quality parameters [total soluble solids (TSS), acid, or juice content]
at time of harvest. One of the most visible effects of irrigation with high salinity water was the damage to leaves, with leaf chloride
(Cl) levels increasing about 0.14% for each 1.0 dS·m–1 increase in EC of the irrigation water for trees on ‘Carrizo’ citrange and
0.02% for trees on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo. For both rootstocks, the number of fruit and the size of the fruit decreased with increasing
salinity in the irrigation water. The non-salinized trees had significantly larger fruit compared to the rest of the treatments. In the
very dry 2000–01 season, trees on ‘Carrizo’ irrigated with 0.7 dS·m–1 water had about 50% more fruit size 36 [fruit count per 0.028-
m3 (4/5 bu) carton] or larger than trees watered with 3.9 or 5.5 dS·m–1 water. For trees on ‘Swingle’ rootstock, trees irrigated with
0.7 dS·m–1 water had 150% to 200% more size 36 and larger fruit than trees watered with 2.3 dS·m–1 water. Over the four
seasons, average yields for ‘Carrizo’ were reduced 3200.0 kg·ha–1 (2855 lb/acre) per year for each 1.0 dS·m–1 increase in EC of the
irrigation water. For ‘Swingle’ rootstock, the reduction was 2600.3 kg·ha–1 (2320 lb/acre) per year for each 1.0 dS·m–1 increase in
EC of the irrigation water. These reductions averaged 7% (‘Swingle’) and 6% (‘Carrizo’) for each 1.0 dS·m–1 increase in salinity of
the irrigation water.

104-108 Managing Salinity in Citrus

Reprint Author E-mail : bjboman@ifas.ufl.edu
Authors : Brian J. Boman; Mongi Zekri; Ed Stover
Author Address : University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 S. Rock Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34945
Source : HortTechnology Vol.: 15, No.: 1, January 2005 [Page 108-113]
KeyWord(s) : Citrus;Salinity Levels;Irrigation Frequency;Sprinkler Irrigation;Salt Tolerance

Abstract

Although citrus (Citrus spp.) is sensitive to salinity, acceptable production can be achieved with moderate salinity levels, depending on the climate, scion
cultivar, rootstock, and irrigation-fertilizer management. Irrigation scheduling is a key factor in managing salinity in areas with salinity problems.
Increasing irrigation frequency and applying water in excess of the crop water requirement are recommended to leach the salts and minimize the salt
concentration in the root zone. Overhead sprinkler irrigation should be avoided when using water containing high levels of salts because salt residues can
accumulate on the foliage and cause serious injury. Much of the leaf and trunk damage associated with direct foliar uptake of salts can be reduced by using
microirrigation systems. Frequent fertilization using low rates is recommended through fertigation or broadcast application of dry fertilizers. Nutrient
sources should have a relatively low salt index and not contain chloride (Cl) or sodium (Na). In areas where Na accumulates in soils, application of calcium
(Ca) sources (e.g., gypsum) has been found to reduce the deleterious effect of Na and improve plant growth under saline conditions. Adapting plants to
saline environments and increasing salt tolerance through breeding and genetic manipulation is another important method for managing salinity.

Influence of Salinity on Citrus: A Review Paper

Authors : Adnan Al-yassin
Author Address : National center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer, P.O.Box 639, Baqa 19381, Jordan Telephone: + 962 6 4725071,
Fax: + 962 6 4726099
Source : Journal of Central European Agriculture Vol.: 5, No.: 4, 2004 [Page 263-272]
KeyWord(s) : Citrus; Irrigation; Salinity; Rootstock-scion interaction

Abstract

Due to the rapid expansion of irrigated agriculture, efficient use of the limited water
resources in arid and semi-arid regions is becoming more and more vital. However,
water salinity is a major problem due to its negative influence on the yields of many
crops. It reduces citrus trees’ growth and causes physiological disorders. Primarily salt-
stress lowers net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, and water potential of citrus
tree leaves, in addition to accumulation of excessive concentration of Chloride or
 Sodium in leaves. A great deal of research indicates that citrus have the genetic
potential to be salt-sensitive; however inheritance studies in citrus are scarce. In this
paper the adverse of effects of salinity on physiological aspects of citrus are reviewed.
The review summarizes the prevailing state of knowledge about the responses and
tolerance of citrus trees to salinity.
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Response of 'Star Ruby' Grapefruit on Two Rootstocks to NaCl Salinity

Authors : Garcia-sanchez F.; Carvajal M.; Cerda A.; Martinez V
Source : Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology Vol.: 78, No.: 6, December 2003 [Page 859-865]
KeyWord(s) : Grapefruits;Salinity;Poncirus trifoliata;Mandarin

Abstract

An experiment with seven year old field-grown 'Star Ruby' grapefruit trees (Citrus paradisi Macf.) grafted on 'Cleopatra' mandarin (Citrus
reticulata Blanco (CM)) and 'Carrizo' citrange (C. sinensis L., Osb X Poncirus trifoliata L. Ref. (DC) (CC) was designed to evaluate the long-term
effect on fruit yield (1998/2001), fruit quality and leaf mineral composition of three irrigation waters having sodium chloride concentrations of
3, 15 and 30 mM NaCl, respectively. Fruit yield was progressively decreased by salinity in all treatments, but the effect was influenced by
rootstock. 'Cleopatra' mandarin appeared to be a better rootstock than 'Carrizo' citrange for 'Star Ruby' grapefruit trees, since in the control
and in 30 mM NaCl treatment, 'Cleopatra' mandarin had a higher fruit yield than 'Carrizo' citrange. On the other hand, fruit from 'Carrizo' had
impaired quality in the saline treatment, due to a decrease in juice percentage and an increase in pulp and peel percentage. Chloride
concentration in leaves from 'Cleopatra' was significantly lower than for those of 'Carrizo'. The opposite effect was observed for Na +
concentration, where leaves from 'Carrizo' accumulated less Na + than those from 'Cleopatra'. Foliar concentrations of nitrate-N were increased
and K + were decreased in the saline treatments, for trees grafted on both rootstocks.

Interaction Effects of Citrus Rootstocks, Salinity and Tylenchulus semipenetrans Parasitism on

Osmotically Active Ions
Reprint Author E-mail : Mashelap@unin.unorth.ac.za
Authors : P. W. Mashela; M. E. Nthangeni
Author Address : University of the North, Sovenga, Republic of South Africa.
Source : Journal of Phytopathology Vol.: 150, No.: 2, February 2002 [Page 60-64]
KeyWord(s) : chloride ;nematode ;potassium ;sodium ;salt-tolerance

Abstract

High densities of Tylenchulus semipenetrans and slow decline symptoms are dominant in citrus-producing areas with high salinity. Currently, no
commercial citrus rootstock is both nematode-resistant and salt-tolerant. Interaction effects of citrus rootstocks, salinity and T. semipenetrans were
evaluated for the partitioning of salinity ions (Cl and Na) and K in microplots. Treatments comprised six citrus rootstocks with wide ranges of salt

tolerance, 0 and 3 mols NaCl + 0.25 mols CaCl 2 l 1 water and 0 and 856 300 nematodes. At harvest, eight months after salinity
treatments, the three-factor interaction was significant (P=0.05) for the alteration in the partitioning of salinity ions and K. Nematodes generally increased
salinity ions in leaves and reduced salinity ions in roots and K in both leaves and roots. Thus, management of nematodes is critical in areas with salinity
problems.
Effect of Salinity on
Growth, Ion Content and
CO2 Assimilation Rate in
Lemon Varieties on
Different Rootstocks
M. F. García-Legaz, J. M.
Authors : Ortiz, A. Garcí-Lidón, A.
Cerdá
Author : Dept de Química, EUIT
Address Agrícolas, UPV, Orihuela,
Alicante, Spain. Dept de
Biología Vegetal, ETS de
Ingenieros Agrónomos,
UPM, E-28040 Madrid,
Spain. Dept Citricultura
CIDA, La Alberca, Murcia,
Spain. Dept de Nutrición y
Fertilización del Suelo,
CEBAS, CSIC, Murcia,
Spain.
Physiologia Plantarum
Vol.: 89, No.:
Source :
3, November 1993 [Page
427-432]
KeyWord(s) : Chlorophyll ; Citrus
limon ; lemon ;
rootstock/scion ;
salinity ; stomatal
conductance ;
transpiration

Abstract

Citrus rootstocks as
 well as lemon scions
differ in their ability to
restrict sodium and
chloride ions and in
their sensitivity to
saline stress. To
determine the behaviour
of different rootstock-
scion combinations, 3
lemon cultivars on 3
different rootstocks
were grown in
containers in a
greenhouse and
irrigated with 5, 25 and
50 mM NaCl. Growth
of the plants and foliar
contents of sodium and
chloride as well as
physiological
parameters including
transpiration rate, gas
exchange, stomatal
conductance and
chlorophyll content
were evaluated. Shoot
length of the plants on
sour orange and on C.
volkameriana showed a
greater reduction with
salinity than those on C.
macrophylla.
Accumulation of salt in
the leaves was also
scion dependent, cv.
'Eureka' having higher
concentrations of
sodium and chloride
than the others.
Assimilation rate of
CO2 and stomatal
conductance were
greatly reduced by
salinity in the leaves of
Verna and Eureka on
sour orange. Gas
 exchange in the leaves
was highly correlated
with chloride and
sodium contents in all
lemon-rootstock
combinations. C.
macrophylla showed a
higher resistance to
salinity than C.
volkameriana and sour
orange. Inferences on
the mechanisms of
action of salt on lemon
trees are discussed.
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NaCl-tolerant Plants of Poncirus trifoliata Regenerated from Tolerant Cell Lines

Authors : N. Beloualy; J. Bouharmont
Author Address : Université Catholique de Louvain, Laboratoire de Cytogénétique Place Croix-du-Sud, 4 B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
Source : Theoretical and Applied Genetics Vol.: 83, No.: 4, February 1992 [Page 509-514]
KeyWord(s) : Salt tolerance;In vitro selection; Poncirus trifoliata ;Somaclonal variation;Citrus

Abstract

Salt-tolerant cell lines of citrus rootstock (Poncirus trifoliata cv Pomeroy) were

selected by subculturing embryo-derived calli on media containing sublethal
concentrations of NaCl (5 and 10 g/l). Selected lines showed a normal growth in the
presence of salt at the concentrations used for selection, and salt tolerance persisted
after a passage on a salt-free media. Their K+ and Ca2+ content remained higher than in
control cells for increasing NaCl concentration in the medium, suggesting a
modification of cell membrane permeability as the main cause of NaCl tolerance.
Shoots and plants regenerated from selected cell lines showed improved growth and
salt tolerance. Calli induced from these plants tolerated a salt concentration of 10 g/l,
indicating the persistance of the selected trait.
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Salinity Tolerance and Leaf Water Use Efficiency in Citrus

Authors : James P. Syvertsen; Juan C. Melgar; Francisco García-Sánchez
Author Address : Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research and Education Center, 700 Experiment Station Road,
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
Source : Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science Vol.: 135, No.: 1, January 2010 [Page 33-39]
KeyWord(s) : rootstock ; shade ; soil type ; transpiration

Abstract

In three separate experiments, the growth and water use of salinized citrus rootstock seedlings and grafted trees were modified using different growth
substrates, elevated CO2, or 50% shade screen under field conditions. By reanalyzing previously published data, we tested the hypothesis that salinity
tolerance in citrus can be characterized as the ability to maintain low levels of leaf Cl – accumulation through high plant growth and high water use
efficiency (WUE) under saline conditions. Well-irrigated salinized seedlings of the relatively salt-sensitive Carrizo citrange [Carr (Citrus sinensis x Poncirus
trifoliata)] were grown in sand, clay, or a peat-based soilless media. Salinity stress reduced plant growth and water use. Leaf Cl – concentration was
negatively related to plant growth, but leaf Cl – increased with transpiration rate in low-saline treatments. In a second experiment using salinized seedlings
of the relatively salt-tolerant Cleopatra mandarin [Cleo (Citrus reticulata)] grown along with Carr seedlings with or without elevated CO 2, leaf Cl – was
negatively related to growth and to shoot/root dry weight ratio, but was positively related to water use such that leaf Cl – was negatively related to leaf
WUE. In a third experiment using salinized 2-year-old ‘Valencia’ orange (C. sinensis) trees grafted on Cleo or Carr rootstocks and grown with or without
shadecloth, leaf Cl – was positively related to leaf transpiration as both were higher in the spring than in the fall, regardless of rootstock or shade
treatment. Overall, leaf Cl – was positively related to water use and was negatively related to leaf WUE. High growth, low water use, and consequently,
high WUE of salinized citrus were related to low leaf Cl – . Such relationships can be used as indicators of salinity tolerance.