VARIETAL RESPONSE OF COTTON PLANTS AND CORRESPONDING CELL CULTURES TO NACL STRESS

E.P. Millhollon, D.R. Gossett, M.C. Lucae, M.M. Marney, and T.M. Moreau

ABSTRACT

The effect of NaCl on growth of two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars and corresponding callus cultures was examined. Whole plants of Acala 1517-88 and Deltapine 50 were grown for 8 weeks in a nutrient solution containing 0 and 150 mM NaCl. The 150 mM NaCl treatment resulted in significant reductions in both leaf area and leaf weight in both varieties. Growth of callus of Deltapine 50 grown on media containing 150 mM NaCl for 42 days was also significantly reduced, but callus of Acala 1517-88 showed no significant reduction in growth, indicating this variety was more salt tolerant than Deltapine 50. An examination of antioxidants in callus tissue of both varieties indicated that Acala 1517-88 responded to the 150 mM NaCl by producing significant increases in glutathione reductase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase. In contrast, callus of Deltapine 50 showed no change in glutathione reductase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Superoxide dismutase was significantly reduced in response to 150 mM NaCl. These results indicate that antioxidants play a significant role in the ability of cotton cultivars to tolerate NaCl.





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Document last modified July 8, 2004