The Effect of Salt Species and Concentration on Photosynthesis and Growth of Pea Plants (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska)

Osmotic adjustment (Δπ), stomatal resistance (rs), net photosynthesis (PN) and three growth parameters (fresh weight-FW; dry weight-DW and length-L) were measured in pea plants grown in different concentrations (85–390 mosmol) of either NaCl , KCl , Na2SO4 or K2SO4. Complete osmotic adjustment was not attained in any of the treatments, and Δπ decreased with increasing external salinity, indicating a possible reduction in turgor. FW and L of the plants decreased accordingly.