EFFECTS OF SEA-WATER ON ROOTS OF PROSOPIS-ALBA (LEGUMINOSEAE) SEEDLINGS

The effect of pure sea water on roots of Prosopis alba seedlings was s tudied in liquid culture. Germination percentage, root length and phos phate absorption decreased in seedlings raised in saline conditions. N otably enlarged root caps with abundant mucilage were observed. Centra l cells from these caps, analysed by transmission electron microscopy, showed a distinctive ultrastructural organization. The most outstandi ng features observed in sea water treatments samples were the presence of turgid cells with enlarged amyloplasts and mitochondria and thicke r walls. Our results from sea water treatment appear relevant to the r esponse of P. alba under natural conditions.