Drought and saline stress

Abstract

This chapter examines the response of L. japonicus plants to different types of osmotic stress in the context of the changes most commonly noticed in other plant species. Up to 12-fold proline accumulation was detected in L. japonicus plants in relation to drought and salt stress treatments. In parallel to the accumulation of proline as an osmolyte, the above mentioned stress conditions produced in L. japonicus an increased level of oxidative damage as evaluated through measurement of thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Characterisation of the L. japonicus response to osmotic stress is a prerequisite for the use of this plant as a model legume to assist in applied projects aimed to improve salt and drought tolerance of other closely related Lotus species. Different Lotus species are currently used to improve both pastures and hay quality wherein other forage legume species are not suitable (see chapter 1.2). However, many of these Lotus species are not well adapted to high temperature, salt, or drought.