Physiological and hydrological changes in Populus euphratica seedlings under salinity stress

The effect of salinity stress on stomatal aperture, density, conductance and native embolism rate (PLC%) in the seedlings of Populus euphratica were studied in the arid ecosystem of Xinjiang, China. Model experiment was conducted at different concentrations of salt (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl) with the irrigation water for consequently three months, on two years old seedlings. Salinity stress effected stomatal density; it increased in all salt treated treatments with relation to untreated plant while areas of stomata were reduced significantly. Decrease in length of stomatal openings and area of openness were also observed. The stomatal conductance was decreased from 1st to 3rd month consequently and from 0 mM to 200 mM NaCl in all treatments. It decreased with an increased concentration of salinity, and a similar trend was observed for duration of time. Salinity stress showed impact on native PLC% values. Enhancing and revealing the mechanism of salinity tolerance of P. euphratica will extend their application for afforestation on salinized soil and sustainable wood bio-production.