Differential effects of NaCl and Na2SO4 on the halophyte Prosopis strombulifera are explained by different responses of photosynthesis and metabolism

Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. is a halophytic shrub found in highly saline soils in Argentina, with high tolerance against NaCl but strong growth inhibition by Na2SO4. In the present study, the differences in the physiological responses caused by these salts and an iso-osmotic combination thereof on photosynthesis, mineral composition and metabolism were analyzed. Na2SO4 treated plants were the most affected by salinity, showing a significant decrease in several photosynthetic parameters. Proline and cysteine accumulated significantly in the plants in response to salt stress. These results show by the first time that the SO42- anion is triggering damage in the photosynthetic apparatus and consequently affecting the photosynthetic process, which may explain the strong growth inhibition in these plants at high salinity. Moreover, the SO42- anion provoke challenges in the incorporation of nutrients, decreasing the levels of K, Ca, P and Mg, and inducing a strong antioxidant activity in P. strombulifera.