Abstract
Potted fig (Ficus carica L. cv. Masui Dauphine) cuttings were subjected with 0 or 50 mM NaCl solution for 4 weeks. Stem elongation, photosynthesis, transpiration, and mineral content in plants and latex were measured in a time course. Growth, photosynthesis and transpiration were suppressed by NaCl. Greater amounts of Na+ and Cl- ions accumulated in leaves and stems than in roots. The NaCl treatment decreased K+ and Ca2+ in all plant parts except leaves. The osmotic potential of exuded latex was significantly decreased by the NaCl treatment. Na+ content of the latex was considerably lower than that of leaves or stems, while the Cl- content was approximately equal to that of leaves or stems, suggesting a high capacity for the exclusion of Na+ by membranes of the laticiferous cells.
