Synergistic and antagonistic effects of salinity and pH on germination in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

39Citations
Citations of this article
66Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The effects of salt-alkaline mixed stress on switchgrass were investigated by evaluating seed germination and the proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble sugar contents in three switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars in order to identify which can be successfully produced on marginal lands affected by salt-alkaline mixed stress. The experimental conditions consisted of four levels of salinity (10, 60, 110 and 160 mM) and four pH levels (7.1, 8.3, 9.5 and 10.7). The effects of salt-alkaline mixed stress with equivalent coupling of the salinity and pH level on the switchgrass were explored via model analyses. Switchgrass was capable of germinating and surviving well in all treatments under low-alkaline pH (pH≤8.3), regardless of the salinity. However, seed germination and seedling growth were sharply reduced at higher pH values in conjunction with salinity. The salinity and pH had synergetic effects on the germination percentage, germination index, plumular length and the soluble sugar and proline contents in switchgrass. However, these two factors exhibited antagonistic effects on the radicular length of switchgrass. The combined effects of salinity and pH and the interactions between them should be considered when evaluating the strength of salt-alkaline mixed stress. © 2014 Liu et al.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Liu, Y., Wang, Q., Zhang, Y., Cui, J., Chen, G., Xie, B., … Liu, H. (2014). Synergistic and antagonistic effects of salinity and pH on germination in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). PLoS ONE, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0085282

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free