Effects of NaCl and CaCl2 salinization on morpho-anatomical and physiological traits of potted Callistemon citrinus plants

Abstract

The aim of this work was to assess the possible coordination mechanisms between leaf functional anatomical traits and physiological acclimation of potted Callistemon citrinus plants when subjected to two saline iso-osmotic solutions using NaCl or CaCl2. Digital image analysis was applied to quantify anatomical parameters with a specific focus on the occurrence of signs of structural damage as well as on alterations, such as the occurrence of shrunk tissues and accumulation of phenolic compounds. Morpho-anatomical analyses were accompanied by measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence emission. Results showed that C. citrinus plants, when irrigated with the CaCl2 solution, induced a leaf morpho-anatomical structure which did not allow the maintenance of high photosynthetic performance under such conditions, compared to both controls and plants treated with the iso-osmotic solution of NaCl. Data collected seem to suggest a close relationship between anatomical traits and eco-physiological strategies in maintaining the photosynthetic efficiency under saline stress conditions and highlight the fundamental role of leaf anatomy in imposing the limits of plant physiology.