ABSTRACT To mitigate the deleterious effects of abiotic stress, the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria along with diazotrophic bacteria has been increasing. The objectives of this study were to investigate the key enzymes related to nitrogen and carbon metabolism in the biological nitrogen fixation process and to elucidate the activities of these enzymes by the synergistic interaction between Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria in the absence and presence of salt stress. Cowpea plants were cultivated under axenic conditions, inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium sp. and Actinomadura sp., Bradyrhizobium sp. and Bacillus sp., Bradyrhizobium sp. and Paenibacillus graminis, and Bradyrhizobium sp. and Streptomycessp.; the plants were also maintained in the absence (control) and presence of salt stress (50 mmolL-1 NaCl). Salinity reduced the amino acids, free ammonia, ureides, proteins and total nitrogen content in nodules and increased the levels of sucrose and soluble sugars. The co-inoculations responded differently to the activity of glutamine synthetase enzymes under salt stress, as well as glutamate synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase aminating, and acid invertase in the control and salt stress. Considering the development conditions of this experiment, co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. and Bacillus sp. in cowpea provided better symbiotic performance, mitigating the deleterious effects of salt stress.

Abstract Soil salinity is an important abiotic stress worldwide, and salt-induced oxidative stress can have detrimental effects on the biological nitrogen fixation. We hypothesized that co-inoculation of cowpea plants with Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria would minimize the deleterious effects of salt stress via the induction of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative protection. To test our hypothesis, cowpea seeds were inoculated with Bradyrhizobium or co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria and then submitted to salt stress. Afterward, the cowpea nodules were collected, and the levels of hydrogen peroxide; lipid peroxidation; total, reduced and oxidized forms of ascorbate and glutathione; and superoxide dismutase, catalase and phenol peroxidase activities were evaluated. The sodium and potassium ion concentrations were measured in shoot samples. Cowpea plants did not present significant differences in sodium and potassium levels when grown under non-saline conditions, but sodium content was strongly increased under salt stress conditions. Under non-saline and salt stress conditions, plants co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and Actinomadura or co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and Paenibacillus graminis showed lower hydrogen peroxide content in their nodules, whereas lipid peroxidation was increased by 31% in plants that were subjected to salt stress. Furthermore, cowpea nodules co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria and exposed to salt stress displayed significant alterations in the total, reduced and oxidized forms of ascorbate and glutathione. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria induced increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and phenol peroxidase activities in the nodules of cowpea plants exposed to salt stress. The catalase activity in plants co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and Streptomyces was 55% greater than in plants inoculated with Bradyrhizobium alone, and this value was remarkably greater than that in the other treatments. These results reinforce the beneficial effects of plant growth-promoting bacteria on the antioxidant system that detoxifies reactive oxygen species. We concluded that the combination of Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria induces positive responses for coping with salt-induced oxidative stress in cowpea nodules, mainly in plants co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and P. graminis or co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium and Bacillus.

Higher plants display different adaptive strategies in photosynthesis to cope with abiotic stress. In this study, photosynthetic mechanisms and water relationships displayed byJatropha curcasL. (physic nuts) andRicinus communisL. (castor bean), in response to variations in environmental conditions, were assessed.R. communis showed higher CO2 assimilation, stomatal and mesophyll conductance thanJ. curcas as light intensity and intercellular CO2 pressure increased. On the other hand,R. communis was less effective in stomatal control in response to adverse environmental factors such as high temperature, water deficit and vapor pressure deficit, indicating lower water use efficiency. Conversely,J. curcas exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency (gas exchange and photochemistry) and water use efficiency under these adverse environmental conditions.R. communisdisplayed higher potential photosynthesis, but exhibited a lowerin vivo Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax). During the course of a typical day, in a semiarid environment, with high irradiation, high temperature and high vapor pressure deficit, but exposed to well-watered conditions, the two studied species presented similar photosynthesis. Losing potential photosynthesis, but maintaining favorable water status and increasing non-photochemical quenching to avoid photoinhibition, are important acclimation mechanisms developed byJ. curcas to cope with dry and hot conditions. We suggest thatJ. curcas is more tolerant to hot and dry environments thanR. communis but the latter species displays higher photosynthetic efficiency under well-watered and non-stressful conditions.

Low temperatures negatively impact the metabolism of orange trees, and the extent of damage can be influenced by the rootstock. We evaluated the effects of low nocturnal temperatures on Valencia orange scions grafted on Rangpur lime or Swingle citrumelo rootstocks. We exposed six-month-old plants to night temperatures of 20ºC and 8ºC under controlled conditions. After decreasing the temperature to 8ºC, there were decreases in leaf CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, mesophyll conductance and CO2 concentration in the chloroplasts, in plant hydraulic conductivity and in the maximum electron transport rate driven ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration in plants grafted on both rootstocks. However, the effects of low night temperature were more severe in plants grafted on Rangpur rootstock, which also presented reduction in the maximum rate of RuBP carboxylation and in the maximum quantum efficiency of the PSII. In general, irreversible damage due to night chilling was found in the photosynthetic apparatus of plants grafted on Rangpur lime. Low night temperatures induced similar changes in the antioxidant metabolism, preventing oxidative damage in citrus leaves on both rootstocks. As photosynthesis is linked to plant growth, our findings indicate that the rootstock may improve the performance of citrus trees in environments with low night temperatures, with Swingle rootstock improving the photosynthetic acclimation in leaves of orange plants.

Um dos efeitos da salinidade causado por excesso de Na+ nos solos é a redução dos níveis de K+ nos tecidos vegetais. O trabalho objetivou caracterizar as vias de absorção de K+ de alta e baixa afinidade em raízes de cajueiro na ausência e presença de concentrações de Na+. Os estudos de cinética de absorção de K+ na ausência e presença de NaCl foram realizados com raízes destacadas de plântulas de cajueiro cultivadas sob privação de K+. O excesso de Na+ no meio externo causou redução da absorção de K+ pelos sistemas de alta e de baixa afinidade. A redução da absorção de K+, causada pelo excesso de Na+ no meio, nas raízes de cajueiro ocorre por mecanismo competitivo. Esse tipo de competição foi evidenciado pelo aumento dos valores de Km para a absorção de K+ induzido pelo Na+ externo, sem alterar os valores de Vmáx. Os resultados mostram que a salinidade pode comprometer a aquisição e a utilização de K+ em plantas de cajueiro.

One effect of the salinity caused by an excess of Na+ in soils, is the reduction in levels of K+ in plant tissue. The study aimed to characterize the process of high and low-affinity absorption of K+ in cashew roots, in both the absence and presence of concentrations of Na+. Studies of the kinetics of K+ absorption in the absence and presence of NaCl were carried out using detached roots from cashew seedlings grown under K+ deprivation. The excess of Na+ in the external environment caused a reduction in K+ absorption by both the high and low-affinity systems. The reduction in the absorption of K+ in the roots of the cashew tree, caused by the excess Na+ in the environment, happens through competitive means. This type of competition was evidenced by the increase in Km values for the K+ absorption induced by the external Na+, without changing the values of Vmax. The results show that salinity may affect the acquisition and use of K+ in cashew plants.

Realizou-se um estudo sobre a absorção e assimilação de NO3- em plantas de feijão de corda com o objetivo de analisar como os dois processos se relacionam frente a condições de salinidade, bem como, esclarecer possíveis mecanismos de modulação das plantas sob estresse salino. Plantas com 14 dias, crescidas em solução nutritiva (Sem NH4+), foram submetidas a KNO3 e NaCl 100 mM por dez dias. Avaliou-se a absorção e o conteúdo de NO3-, atividade da Redutase do Nitrato (RN), transpiração, proteínas solúveis e aminoácidos livres totais (ALT). A aplicação do NaCl resultou na redução da absorção líquida e no conteúdo de NO3-, principalmente, em raízes. A redução da atividade da RN foi positivamente correlacionada com a redução da transpiração, mas nenhuma relação foi estabelecida com a redução nos níveis e proteínas solúveis, que foi mais eminente em raízes. Os níveis de ALT foram superiores em raízes de plantas controle e tratadas com NaCl. Os resultados indicam um possível mecanismo de modulação devido a menores níveis de proteínas e maiores níveis de ALT em raízes sob condições de salinidade. Em resumo, a salinidade modula negativamente a absorção e assimilação de NO3- em plantas de feijão de corda, a princípio pela redução nos níveis de proteínas solúveis e pelo acúmulo de aminoácidos em raízes, e a inibição do tipo não-competitiva pelo NaCl indica que a competição entre NO3- e Cl- pelos sítios de absorção não é o fator mais limitante para modular a absorção no NO3.

This present work aims to perform a study on the NO3- uptake and assimilation in cowpea plants, analyzing how the two processes are related front to salinity conditions and clarify possible mechanisms of plant modulations under salt stress. Plants with 14 days old grown in nutrient solution (Absence NH4+) were subjected to KNO3 10 mM and NaCl 100 mM for ten days. Was evaluated NO3- net uptake and content, nitrate reductase activity (RN), transpiration, soluble proteins and total free amino acids (ALT). Application of NaCl resulted in reduced net uptake and the content of NO3-, mainly in roots. The reduction of NR activity was positively correlated with the reduction of transpiration, but no relation was established with the reduction in the soluble proteins levels, which was more conspicuous on roots. ALT levels were higher in roots of control plants and treated with NaCl. The results indicate a possible mechanism of modulation due to lower protein levels and higher ALT levels in roots under saline conditions. In summary, salinity modulates the uptake and assimilation of NO3- in cowpea plants, in principle, by the reduction in the soluble proteins and amino acids accumulation in roots and the non-competitively inhibition by NaCl indicates that competition between NO3- and Cl- by the sites is not the most limiting factor to modulate the NO3- uptake.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de combinações de nitrato e amônio no meio, na acumulação de compostos nitrogenados e carboidratos, na presença e ausência de salinidade em plantas de sorgo. Sementes do genótipo CSF 20 foram cultivadas em casa de vegetação, em solução nutritiva com três concentrações de nitrato e amônio (100% NO3-: 0% NH4+, 75% NO3-: 25% NH4+ e 0% NO3-: 100% NH4+), na presença e ausência de salinidade. A salinidade reduziu a concentração de nitrato nas folhas e colmo, nos tratamentos 100:0 e 75:25. O amônio acumulou-se mais nas plantas com NaCl, nas folhas e colmo. Os teores de aminoácidos livres totais nas folhas não se alteraram, mas, no colmo, aumentaram na presença de sal e aumento do amônio. A concentração de prolina livre nas folhas e colmo elevou-se nas plantas sob salinidade. O conteúdo de nitrogênio total foi maior nas folhas, entretanto não houve grandes alterações com a presença do sal. A concentração de carboidratos solúveis totais foi maior nas plantas tratadas com sal, exceto no colmo 0:100. Nas folhas, o teor de sacarose foi reduzido na presença do NaCl e aumento de amônio, enquanto, no colmo, foi maior no tratamento 75:25 com NaCl. O teor de amido não sofreu alterações com as diferentes combinações nas formas de N e salinidade. Conclui-se que combinações de NO-3 e NH4+ no meio afetam a acumulação de compostos nitrogenados e carboidratos em folhas e colmo, com presença ou ausência de salinidade, em plantas de sorgo forrageiro.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of combinations of nitrate and ammonium in the medium, on the accumulation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates, in the presence and absence of salinity in sorghum plants. CSF 20 genotype sorghum seeds, were grown in the greenhouse and supplied with a nutritive solution at three different concentrations of nitrate and ammonium (100% NO3-: 0% NH4+, 75% NO3-: 25% NH4+ e 0% NO3-: 100% NH4+) both in the presence and absence of NaCl. Salinity reduced the nitrate concentration in both leaves and stalks in treatments at 100:0 and 75:25. The accumulation of ammonium was higher in those plants, in both leaves and stalk, in the presence of NaCl. The levels of free amino acids in the leaves showed no change, whereas those in the stalk increased in the presence of salt and with the increase of ammonium. The concentration of free proline in both leaves and stalk was higher in plants under salinity. The total nitrogen content was higher in the leaves without, however, showing much change in the presence of salt. The concentration of total soluble carbohydrates was higher in those plants treated with salt, except in the stalk 0:100. Sucrose levels in the leaves were lower in the presence of NaCl and the increase in ammonium, while they were higher in the stalk at 75:25 NaCl. The starch content did not alter much with the different levels of nitrogen and salinity. It is concluded that NO-3 and NH4+ combinations in the medium affect the accumulation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates in the leaves and stalks of sorghum plants, both in the presence and absence of salinity.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as respostas fotossintéticas e a acumulação de carboidratos, íons salinos e prolina em feijoeiro caupi (Vigna unguiculata) submetido à salinidade. As plantas foram submetidas à quatro tratamentos, dos 28 aos 35 dias de idade: 0, 50, 100 e 200 mmol L-1 de NaCl. Avaliaramse as trocas gasosas, a emissão de fluorescência pela clorofila a, o potencial hídrico foliar, e as concentrações de carboidratos, Na+, Cl- e prolina nas folhas. Os tratamentos não tiveram efeito sobre a eficiência quântica potencial do fotossistema II, mas causaram leve diminuição na eficiência quântica efetiva e maior dissipação do excesso de energia de excitação por processos não fotoquímicos. As concentrações foliares de amido diminuíram, e as de sacarose e prolina aumentaram nas maiores concentrações de NaCl. Ocorreu exclusão do Na+ e acúmulo do Cl- nas folhas, e as relações hídricas das folhas foram pouco afetadas, exceto no tratamento mais severo. O acúmulo de Cl- esteve envolvido na redução da assimilação de CO2, decorrente da queda na condutância estomática e na eficiência de carboxilação da Rubisco. O feijoeiro caupi apresenta características fisiológicas que favorecem a manutenção da atividade fotossintética sob curta exposição à salinidade.

The objective of this work was to determine the photosynthetic responses and the accumulation of carbohydrates, salt ions, and proline in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) plants subjected to salinity. Plants were subjected to four treatments, from 28 to 35 days of age: 0, 50, 100, and 200 mmol L-1 of NaCl. Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, leaf water potential, and leaf concentrations of carbohydrates, Na+, Cl-, and proline were evaluated. Treatments had no effect on potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II, but there was a slight reduction in effective quantum efficiency and a higher dissipation of excess excitation energy by non-photochemical processes. The foliar contents of starch decreased, and those of sucrose and proline increased with higher NaCl content. There was Na+ exclusion and Cl-accumulation in leaves, and leaf water relations were little affected by salt stress, except in the most severe treatment. The accumulation of Cl- was related with the reduction of CO2 assimilation, which resulted from the decline in stomatal conductance and in Rubisco carboxylation efficiency. Cowpea plants have physiological characteristics that favor the maintenance of photosynthetic activity under short-term exposure to salinity.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência à salinidade de genótipos de cajueiro dos grupos anão e gigante, em mudas em fase de enxertia, com o uso de indicadores fisiológicos. A germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de dez genótipos de porta-enxertos foram avaliados sob duas condições de salinidade: irrigação do substrato com água destilada ou com solução de NaCl 50 mmol L-1, até o estádio de oito folhas maduras (28 dias após o plantio). As mudas foram irrigadas com solução nutritiva de Hoagland & Arnon por mais dez dias. Os indicadores fisiológicos de resistência - concentrações de Na+ e K+ e relação K+/Na+, em folhas e raízes - não diferiram entre os genótipos, na ausência ou na presença de salinidade. Os indicadores e as concentrações de prolina não se correlacionaram com a massa acumulada em raízes e folhas. Sob salinidade, os genótipos do grupo anão apresentaram maior massa radicular em comparação aos do grupo gigante, que tiveram maior alocação de massa em folhas. Houve baixa variabilidade genética dentro de cada grupo. Quanto ao crescimento de raízes e folhas, houve variabilidade entre os grupos, nas duas condições de salinidade.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the resistance to salinity of cashew genotypes from dwarf and giant groups, with seedlings in pregrafting phase, using physiological indicators. Germination and seedling initial growth of ten rootstock genotypes were evaluated under two salinity conditions: substrate irrigated with distilled water or with 50-mmol L-1 NaCl solution, until the eight mature leaves stage (28 days after sowing). The seedlings were irrigated with Hoagland & Arnon nutrient solution, for ten more days. Physiological indicators of resistance - Na+ and K+ contents and K+/Na+ relation, in leaves and roots - did not differ between genotypes, in the absence or presence of salinity. The indicators and prolin contents were not correlated to the accumulated mass in roots and leaves. Under salinity conditions, the genotypes from the dwarf group showed higher root mass in comparison to those from the giant group, which had greater mass allocation in leaves. There was low genetic variability within each group. Regarding root and leaf growth, there was variability between groups, in both salinity conditions.

Resumo O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar qual etapa da aquisição de nitrato (absorção, fluxo no xilema ou redução assimilatória) é mais influenciada pela presença do NaCl em feijão-caupi. Plântulas com 12 dias de idade foram tratadas com NaCl 50 mM em solução nutritiva durante 4 dias e as avaliações realizadas sob duas condições ambientais contrastantes: dia típico (pleno sol) e dia completamente nublado (nublado). A salinidade afetou mais intensamente o fluxo da seiva e o fluxo de nitrato no xilema do que a transpiração sob as duas condições ambientais. Plantas tratadas com NaCl mostraram uma intensa redução na taxa de absorção de nitrato e na atividade da redutase de nitrato nas folhas, tanto em pleno sol como em dia nublado, quando comparadas com as plantas não tratadas. A transpiração foi reduzida pela nebulosidade, enquanto que os fluxos da seiva e de nitrato permaneceram inalterados. A absorção de nitrato e a atividade da redutase de nitrato foram menos afetadas pela nebulosidade do que a transpiração, tanto no controle como nas plantas estressadas. A nebulosidade afetou mais intensamente as variáveis de estudo das plantas controle do que de plantas tratadas. Em adição, o NaCl reduziu a concentração de nitrato em raiz, caule e folha nos dois ambientes, enquanto que a nebulosidade afetou somente nas folhas, tanto no controle como nas plantas estressadas. A salinidade afeta mais negativamente o fluxo de nitrato no xilema do que os processos de absorção e assimilação desse íon nas folhas de feijão-caupi.

Abstract This work was carried out to evaluate what is the nitrate acquisition stage (nitrate uptake, xylem nitrate flux or assimilatory reduction) most influenced by the presence of NaCl in cowpea. Twelve day-old seedlings were treated with 50 mM of NaCl in nutrient solution during four days and measurements carried out under two contrasting environmental conditions: typical day (full sun) and completely cloudy day (cloudiness). The salinity affected more intensely the xylem sap flux and nitrate flux than transpiration. Plants treated with NaCl showed a strong decrease in both nitrate uptake rate and leaf nitrate reductase activity as in the full sun as in cloudy day. Transpiration was reduced by the cloudiness while xylem sap flux and nitrate flux remained unchanged, in both salt-treated and control. Moreover, nitrate uptake and nitrate reductase activity were less affected by cloudiness than the transpiration. In addition, NaCl negatively affected nitrate accumulation in roots, stems and leaves while the cloudiness affected only the leaf nitrate accumulation, both in control and stressed plants. Salinity affects more negatively the nitrate xylem flux, as compared with the nitrate uptake and nitrate assimilatory reduction in cowpea leaves.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a acumulação de solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos e suas contribuições para o ajustamento osmótico de folhas de pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) submetido à salinidade. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mmol L-1 de NaCl) e quatro repetições. As plantas foram cultivadas hidroponicamente em casa de vegetação, em condições controladas de fotoperíodo (12 horas), temperatura (média de 28ºC) e umidade relativa do ar (média de 65%), com radiação fotossinteticamente ativa máxima média de 700 µmol m-1 s-1. O potencial osmótico das folhas decresceu progressivamente e variou de -0,84 a -2,05 MPa, enquanto o conteúdo relativo de água aumentou nos tratamentos com 75 e 100 mmol L-1. Os íons Na+ e Cl- foram os mais importantes, em termos quantitativos, e contribuíram com cerca de 52 e 20%, respectivamente, para o ajustamento osmótico das folhas de plantas tratadas com NaCl. A contribuição do K+ decresceu de modo acentuado e foi de 17 e 5% nos tratamentos com 25 e 100 mmol L-1 de NaCl. A contribuição média dos solutos orgânicos, açúcares, aminoácidos, glicina betaína e prolina, foi de 5,5, 6, 4 e 0,03%, respectivamente. As folhas de pinhão-manso ajustam-se osmoticamente em presença de salinidade, e mantêm bom nível de hidratação, principalmente por meio da acumulação de Na+ e Cl-. A glicina betaína tem papel quantitativo mais importante do que a prolina no ajustamento osmótico, tanto em presença quanto em ausência de salinidade.

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the organic and inorganic solutes accumulation and measure their contribution to the osmotic adjustment of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) leaves under salinity. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mmol L-1 of NaCl) and four replications. Plants were hydroponically grown under greenhouse controlled conditions of photoperiod (12 hours), temperature (average of 28ºC), relative humidity (average of 65%), and with maximum photosynthetically active radiation average of 700 µmol m-1 s-1. The leaf osmotic potential decreased progressively, changing from -0.84 to -2.05 MPa, while the relative water content increased in the 75 and 100 mmol L-1 treatments. The relative contribution of Na+ and Cl-ions were the most important quantitatively for the leaf osmotic adjustment of salt-treated plants, 52 and 20%, respectively. The relative contribution of K+ decreased significantly with added salt, changing from 17 to 5% as the NaCl level increased from 25 to 100 mmol L-1. The average contribution of sugars, amino acids, glycinebetaine, and proline was approximately 5.5, 6, 4, and 0.03%, respectively. The physic nut leaves exhibited an effective osmotic adjustment under salinity, maintaining their hydration status, mainly via Na+ and Cl-accumulation. Glycinebetaine was more important to osmotic adjustment than proline in both salt-treated and untreated plants.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de porta-enxertos na resistência de mudas de cajueiro (Anacardium occidentale L.) à salinidade. As mudas foram obtidas pela enxertia do clone BRS 226 sobre os porta-enxertos CAPI 4, CCP 09 e BRS 226. Foram expostas a meio hidropônico sem NaCl (controle) ou com NaCl 200 mM (tratamento salino), sob condições controladas de temperatura, umidade e luminosidade, durante 12 dias. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (três combinações de enxerto/porta-enxerto e duas concentrações de NaCl), com quatro repetições. Foram determinados a concentração de Na+, Cl-, K+ e solutos orgânicos e os sintomas visuais de toxicidade nas folhas. Os conteúdos de Na+ e Cl-, a relação K+/Na+ e as concentrações de aminoácidos e de prolina livres nas folhas tiveram relação direta com os sintomas visuais de toxicidade. Os porta-enxertos CAPI 4, CCP 09 e BRS 226 foram classificados como sensível, intermediário e resistente à salinidade elevada, respectivamente. Essa variação foi decorrente da influência do porta-enxerto na partição do Na+ e do Cl-.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) rootstocks on salt resistance in grafted plantlets. The plantlets were obtained by grafting the BRS 226 scion on CAPI 4, CCP 09 and BRS 226 rootstocks, and were exposed to nutrient solution without NaCl (control) or with 200 mM NaCl (salt treatment) in hydroponics under controlled temperature, humidity, and luminosity conditions during 12 days. The experimental design was a completely randomized in factorial arrangement 3x2 (three scion/rootstock combinations, two NaCl concentrations) with four replicates. Na+, Cl-, K+ and organic solute concentrations and toxicity symptoms on leaves were determined. Na+ and Cl- contents, the K+/Na+ ratio and the free amino acid and proline concentrations in leaves were directly related to the visual toxicity symptoms. The rootstocks were classified as sensitive (CAPI 4), intermediate (CCP 09), and resistant (BRS 226) to high salinity. This variation was a consequence of the rootstock influence on Na+ and Cl- partitioning.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de marcadores bioquímicos e fisiológicos, na caracterização do estresse hídrico em calos de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar (Sacharum sp.), RB 72 454 (sensível) e SP 813250 (resistente), contrastantes quanto à resistência à seca em campo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial de 2x5 [cultivar x doses de polietilenoglicol (PEG)], com dez tratamentos e três repetições. Os calos foram submetidos a concentrações de PEG correspondentes aos potenciais osmóticos de 0, -0,3, -0,6, -0,9 e -1,2 MPa, por 120 horas. A variação no conteúdo relativo de água e na umidade não foi significativamente diferente entre as cultivares. Entretanto, foi observada a tendência de aumento no vazamento de eletrólitos, em conseqüência da diminuição do potencial osmótico na cultivar tolerante. Na cultivar sensível, observou-se tendência de aumento de prolina e, na resistente, diminuição, embora os níveis não tenham sido afetados pelo deficit hídrico. As concentrações de aminoácidos livres foram maiores na sensível. Houve queda nas concentrações de amônia, em ambas cultivares. Os níveis de proteínas não foram afetados pelo PEG. O perfil protéico por SDS-PAGE não mostrou aumento induzido por PEG, na intensidade das bandas correspondentes aos peptídeos entre 14 e 66 kDa. Os marcadores bioquímicos e fisiológicos não foram relacionados ao grau diferencial de resistência observado nas cultivares em condições de campo.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of physiological and biochemical parameters, in the characterization of water stress in sugarcane (Sacharum sp.) calluses, cultivars RB 72454 (sensible) and SP 813250 (resistant), differing in drought resistance in the field. The experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial scheme 2x5 [cultivar x concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG)], with ten treatments and three replicates. Calluses were submitted to PEG concentrations corresponding to osmotic potentials of 0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MPa, during 120 hours. The variation of relative water content and humidity showed no significant differences between the cultivars. However, it was observed a trend of increase in electrolyte leakage, in the resistant cultivar related to diminishig of the osmotic potential in resistant cultivar. In the sensible cultivar, it was observed a trend of increase in proline, while the resistant one showed decrease, though proline levels were not affected by the water deficit. The amino acid concentrations were bigger in the sensible cultivar. There was a decrease of ammonia in both cultivars. Protein levels were not affected by the PEG. The protein profile evaluated by SDS-PAGE showed no PEG-induced increase in the intensity of bands corresponding to peptides between 14 and 66 kDa. The physiological and biochemical parameters were not related to differential degree of resistance observed in cultivars under field conditions.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar as respostas das trocas gasosas de plantas jovens de cajueiro à densidade de fluxo de fótons fotossintético (DFFF), temperatura, déficit de pressão de vapor (DPV) e concentração interna de CO2 (Ci), sob condições controladas. Cursos diários das trocas gasosas e de variáveis de fluorescência da clorofila a foram obtidos sob condições naturais. A taxa de assimilação de CO2 máxima foi de cerca de 13 mmol m-2 s-1, com saturação pela luz em torno de 1.000 mmol m-2 s-1. As temperaturas das folhas entre 25ºC e 35ºC corresponderam à faixa ótima para a fotossíntese. Os estômatos mostraram-se sensíveis ao CO2 e se fecharam com aumentos de Ci. Aumentos do DPV exerceram pequeno efeito sobre a taxa de assimilação de CO2, com uma pequena diminuição acima de 2,5 kPa. Os estômatos, no entanto, foram fortemente afetados pelo DPV, com fechamento gradativo acima de 1,5 kPa. As condutâncias estomáticas, reduzidas em altos DPVs, foram eficientes em restringir as perdas de água pela transpiração e demonstraram adaptação da espécie a ambientes secos. Sob irradiância natural, a taxa de assimilação de CO2 apresentou saturação no início da manhã, variando posteriormente com as variações da DFFF. Decréscimos transientes da razão Fv/Fm foram registrados em torno de 11h, o que indica a ocorrência de fotoinibição. Decréscimos da eficiência de captura da energia de excitação, decréscimos da eficiência efetiva do fotossistema II e aumentos da extinção não-fotoquímica foram consistentes com a ocorrência de fotoproteção sob irradiância excessiva.

The aim of this study was to characterize gas exchange responses of young cashew plants to varying photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), temperature, vapor-pressure deficit (VPD), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), under controlled conditions. Daily courses of gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were measured under natural conditions. Maximum CO2 assimilation rates, under optimal controlled conditions, were about 13 mmol m-2 s-1 , with light saturation around 1,000 mmol m-2 s-1. Leaf temperatures between 25ºC and 35ºC were optimal for photosynthesis. Stomata showed sensitivity to CO2, and a closing response with increasing Ci. Increasing VPD had a small effect on CO2 assimilation rates, with a small decrease above 2.5 kPa. Stomata, however, were strongly affected by VPD, exhibiting gradual closure above 1.5 kPa. The reduced stomatal conductances at high VPD were efficient in restricting water losses by transpiration, demonstrating the species adaptability to dry environments. Under natural irradiance, CO2 assimilation rates were saturated in early morning, following thereafter the PPFD changes. Transient Fv/Fm decreases were registered around 11h, indicating the occurrence of photoinhibition. Decreases of excitation capture efficiency, decreases of effective quantum yield of photosystem II, and increases in non-photochemical quenching were consistent with the occurrence of photoprotection under excessive irradiance levels.

Os efeitos iniciais da salinidade sobre o crescimento, o conteúdo total de N e o acúmulo e a distribuição de íons foram investigados em plantas de algarobeira (Prosopis juliflora (SW) D.C.) com 30 dias de idade cultivadas em solução nutritiva sem controle ou com 25, 50, 75 e 100 mmol.L-1 de NaCl, durante 8 dias. Em 25 e 50 mmol.L-1 de NaCl, as plantas exibiram maior acumulação de massa seca (MS) e conteúdo de N total na parte aérea que as plantas controle. Contrariamente, esses parâmetros foram reduzidos nas plantas cultivadas em 75 e 100 mmol.L-1 de NaCl. As taxas de transpiração das plantas cultivadas em 25 e 50 mmol.L-1 de NaCl foram aumentadas enquanto, em 75 e 100 mmol.L-1 de NaCl, foram reduzidas, comparadas ao controle. O conteúdo de água da parte aérea (80%) e das raízes (70%) não foi afetado pela salinidade, enquanto que os teores de K+ da parte aérea foram reduzidos, mas não alterados nas raízes. O aumento da salinidade provocou reduções na relação K+/Na+ na parte aérea e nas raízes. É sugerido que aumentos no conteúdo de N total e nas taxas de transpiração podem ter provocado estímulo no crescimento das plantas de algarobeira em baixa salinidade.

In this study the early effects of salinity on growth, total N and ion accumulation and partitioning in Prosopis juliflora (common name algaroba) were studied with 30-day-old plants grown for 8 days in aerated nutrient solution (NS) free of (control) or supplied with 25, 50, 75 and 100 mmol.L-1 NaCl. Plants grown in 25 and 50 mmol.L-1 NaCl accumulated a total dry mass (DM) and shoot N content greater than the control. However, at 75 and 100 mmol.L-1 NaCl such parameters were diminished. Whole plant transpiration rates were higher with 25 and 50 mmol.L-1 NaCl and lower with 75 and 100 mmol.L-1 NaCl. Salinity did not influence shoot (80%) and root (70%) water content (WC) but reduced the K+ content of shoot while that of root was not affected. Increasing external NaCl concentrations increased K+/Na+ ratios of both plant parts. The data support the hypothesis that increase in transpiration rates and in shoot total N may account for growth stimulation of algaroba under mild salinity.