Abstract

GARCIA, M  and  MEDINA, E. Growth and proline accumulation in two sugarcane genotypes under sodium cloride salinization. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2003, vol.20, n.2, pp.168-179. ISSN 0378-7818.

Two sugarcane genotypes differing in salinity response were evaluated: PR692176 (salt tolerant) and V78-1 (salt sensitive), in order to get information about the causes of that differential behavior. The plants grew in an artificial substrate (sand) irrigated with nutrient solution and after two months they were subjected to salinization with sodium chloride (100 mM). Some growth parameters and proline accumulation in roots and leaves of different ages were studied. Sodium chloride salinization affected the growth in both genotypes, however, the leaf area, root dry weight and root dry weight/shoot dry weigh ratio were less reducted in the resistant genotype. Proline accumulation was increased in response to salinization, mainly in roots and sheaths. Proline accumulation in the plants under salinization was greater in the sensitive genotype than in the resistant genotype, except in the blade of the leaf forming the top visible dew lap (TVD leaf).

Keywords : sugarcane; salinity; growth; proline.