title: Role of silicon in alleviating salt-induced toxicity in white clover.
abstract: To understand the role of silicon (Si) in alleviating sodium (Na) toxicity in Trifolium repens L. (white clover), the changes of biochemical and physiological parameters were investigated in four-week-old white clover seedlings exposed to 0 or 120 mM NaCl with or without 1.5 mM Si for 7 days. Results showed that added Si alone did not have any effects on the growth and Na⁺, K⁺ accumulations in white clover plants compared to the control (no added Si and NaCl). However, in the presence of NaCl, additional Si significantly enhanced the selective transport capacity for K⁺ over Na⁺ that contributed to reduced Na⁺ uptake and increased K⁺ uptake by roots, thereby improving its growth and K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis in white clover. This study would provide a way for improving salt tolerance in important legume white clover forage.
authors.affiliation: Beijing Research and Development Center for Grasses and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing 100097, China. guoqiang81@yeah.net
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.forename: Peichun
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: Xiaoxia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tian
mesh_terms: D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D036226:Seedlings / Q000187:drug effects; D012825:Silicon / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000633:toxicity*; D029921:Trifolium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium; D012825:Silicon