Seedling growth and Ca2+, K+ and Na+ accumulation in maize roots as affected by NaCl

The growth and uptake of several important ions (K+, Ca2+, Na+ and Cl-) were investigated during a 9-day-stress period in roots of maize (Zen Mays L. cv. Summer II) grown in a half-strength Hoagland's 2 solution containing 0.24 M NaCl. The relative growth rate was reduced by treatment. In the control the values of root/shoot ratio were generally higher and F.W./D.W. ratios were lower than in stressed plants. In the treated roots there was an accumulation of Na+ and Cl- throughout the experimental period, while K+, which decreased at the beginning of the experiment, increased after three days, remaining constant thereafter. In the treated roots Ca2+ content was always lower than in the control.