Effects of NaCl and CaCl2 on Cell Enlargement and Cell Production in Cotton Roots

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Abstract
In many crop species, supplemental Ca2+ alleviates the inhibition of growth typical of exposure to salt stress. In hydroponically grown cotton seedlings (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv Acala SJ-2), both length and weight of the primary root were enhanced by moderate salinities (25 to 100 millimolar NaCl) in the presence of 10 millimolar Ca2+, but the roots became thinner. Anatomical analysis showed that the cortical cells of these roots were longer and narrower than those of the control plants, while cortical cells of roots grown at the same salinities but in the presence of only 0.4 millimolar Ca2+ became shorter and more nearly isodiametrical. Cell volume, however, was not affected by salinities up to 200 millimolar NaCl at either 0.4 or 10 millimolar Ca2+. Our observations suggest Ca2+-dependent effects of salinity on the cytoskeleton. The rate of cell production declined with increasing salinity at 0.4 millimolar Ca2+ but at 10 millimolar Ca2+ was not affected by salinities up to 150 millimolar NaCl.