Abstract
Salicornia herbacea is one of halophyte, growing under high salt conditions. In this study we investigated growth and development, and parameters regulating the growth of Salicornia. Germination rate was not affected by different concentrations of NaCl, although germination delayed under high concentration of NaCl. Growth of the seedlings was promoted at 100-200 mM NaCl and water contents of the seedlings did not change in these conditions. Viscosity in cell walls of hypocotyls was decreased under 100 mM NaCl condition. Osmotic concentrations of cell sap increased as higher concentrations of NaCl. As described above, NaCl (100 mM) promoted the growth and increased the fresh weight of hypocotyls compared to control, but KCl (100 mM) did not. On the other hand, mannitol (200 mM) inhibited the growth. These results suggest that Na+ is required for normal growth and development of Salicornia, depending on water uptake and promotion of cell wall extensibility.
