The Effects of Soil Salinity on Proline Concentrations, Photosynthesis and Biomass Production in Glycine max
Location
CSU North Ballroom
Start Date
24-4-2006 1:30 PM
End Date
24-4-2006 3:30 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Christopher T. Ruhland
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Soil salinity can reduce growth in many plant species and is a major cause for the reduction in yield of many agricultural crops. High concentrations of salt ions in soil lower the osmotic potential and can potentially reduce water uptake by plants. In addition, dissolved salt ions can inactivate enzymes, reduce protein synthesis and inhibit photosynthesis resulting in reductions in growth. In some species of plants the amino acid proline may act as an osmolyte and reduce the effects of high salt concentrations. We examined the effect of salt on the productivity of Glycine max (soybean) in a greenhouse experiment. Plants were acclimated to greenhouse conditions for two weeks prior to the applications of our salt solutions. Our treatments consisted of applying four salt concentrations to plants on a weekly basis: distilled water (control),50, 100 and 300 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)solutions. After three weeks of application, low levels of NaCl (50 mM) slightly stimulated plant height while the two higher levels of salt significantly reduced leaf number by up to 32%. Increased salt concentrations did not significantly alter dark-adapted maximum photochemical yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) between treatments. However there was a 44% reduction in the light-adapted quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII)- These results suggest impairment in the photosynthetic process that is not directly associated with photosystem II integrity. We plan to harvest our plants at the end of the experiment and examine whole-plant concentrations of proline and soluble carbohydrates and measure biomass production.
The Effects of Soil Salinity on Proline Concentrations, Photosynthesis and Biomass Production in Glycine max
CSU North Ballroom
Soil salinity can reduce growth in many plant species and is a major cause for the reduction in yield of many agricultural crops. High concentrations of salt ions in soil lower the osmotic potential and can potentially reduce water uptake by plants. In addition, dissolved salt ions can inactivate enzymes, reduce protein synthesis and inhibit photosynthesis resulting in reductions in growth. In some species of plants the amino acid proline may act as an osmolyte and reduce the effects of high salt concentrations. We examined the effect of salt on the productivity of Glycine max (soybean) in a greenhouse experiment. Plants were acclimated to greenhouse conditions for two weeks prior to the applications of our salt solutions. Our treatments consisted of applying four salt concentrations to plants on a weekly basis: distilled water (control),50, 100 and 300 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)solutions. After three weeks of application, low levels of NaCl (50 mM) slightly stimulated plant height while the two higher levels of salt significantly reduced leaf number by up to 32%. Increased salt concentrations did not significantly alter dark-adapted maximum photochemical yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) between treatments. However there was a 44% reduction in the light-adapted quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII)- These results suggest impairment in the photosynthetic process that is not directly associated with photosystem II integrity. We plan to harvest our plants at the end of the experiment and examine whole-plant concentrations of proline and soluble carbohydrates and measure biomass production.
Recommended Citation
Biever, Jessica. "The Effects of Soil Salinity on Proline Concentrations, Photosynthesis and Biomass Production in Glycine max." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 24, 2006.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2006/poster-session-B/6
