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 (Ze n Mays L. cv. Summer II) grown in a half-strength Hoagland's 2 solutio n containing 0.24 M NaCl. The relative growth rate was reduced by trea tment. In the control the values of root/shoot ratio were generally hi gher and F.W./D.W. ratios were lower than in stressed plants. In the t reated roots there was an accumulation of Na+ and Cl- throughout the e xperimental 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 contro l.