Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 35–42

Relative NaCl tolerance of rare and endangered coastal plant species in conditions of tissue culture

Abstract

Three coastal plant species Glaux maritima, Dianthus arenarius spp. arenarius and Linaria loeselii were experimentally tested for NaCl tolerance in conditions of tissue culture. NaCl-induced changes in oxidative enzyme activities and ascorbate peroxidase were measured as indicators of salinity-affected processes. Relatively high NaCl tolerance was found for all of the tested species. Growth and development of G. maritima explants was stimulated by 100 mM NaCl throughout the cultivation period. The stimulation was not due to osmotic effect, as equiosmotic concentration of polyethylene glycol significantly reduced growth of explants. A relationship between NaCl tolerance and NaCl-induced increase in ascorbate peroxidase activity in explant tissues was found. Salinity-induced changes in peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity varied in plants with different NaCl tolerance. The results are discussed in respect to putative salinity tolerance reactions.