THE EFFECTS OF PACLOBUTRAZOL AND TETCYCLACIS ON MINERAL DISTRIBUTION IN WHEAT UNDER SALT STRESS

The effects of the triazole, paclobutrazol, and the norbornanodiazetine, tetcyclacis, on wheat seedling growth, potassium uptake and sodium distribution were studied in water culture under control and saline conditions. Both growth retardants decreased shoot growth; however, root growth was stimulated by tetcyclacis. Paclobutrazol increased root membrane permeability as indicated by an increased K+(86Rb+) influx rate with a concomitant net loss in internal K+. Tetcyclacis did not influence the K+ influx rate and maintained a balanced internal K+ level. In addition, under salt stress, tetcyclacis significantly increased Na+ translocation to the shoot and lowered Na+ concentration in the root, traits which may have an adaptive value. © 1990, Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart. All rights reserved.