Ionic concentrations and water relations of alfalfa seedlings differing in salt tolerance

There is great variability within alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations in response to salinity stress. This study was conducted to investigate the physiological basis of that variability. Growth performance and physiology were compared in two groups of a population of alfalfa seedlings that differ in vigor when grown under 0.7 MPa salinity. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using a system designed to screen seedlings for salt tolerance. Plant height, internode length, leaf area, number of leaves, dry weight, ion concentration, percent water, and water potential were measured (...)