Sucrose and Starch Content of Plant Parts as a Possible Indicator for Salt Tolerance

Abstract

The effects of NaCl on total root and leaf sucrose and on total foliar starch in crops of differing salt tolerance were investigated during the early stages of salinity stress. Leaf sucrose level increased most in bushbean (sensitive) but less in rice (moderately sensitive), whereas it decreased slightly in soybean (moderately tolerant) and more in cotton (tolerant). Initial root sucrose was lowest in bushbeans, but this sensitive species showed the biggest percentage increase after salination. Foliar starch increased in sensitive crops but decreased in tolerant crops. NaCl-induced carbohydrate change in roots and laminae was correlated with tolerance of the species independently of ion-regulation behaviour. Sucrose and starch contents may assist in the selection for salt tolerance within species.