Response of Growth and photosynthesis to NaCl stress in Soybean(Glysine max L.) Seedlings

This study was conducted in to elucidate the changes of growth characteristics and photosynthesis in three soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Danwonkong, Hwangkeumkong and Kwangankong) 30 day old seedlings to 100mM NaCl concentration containing 1/2 Hoagland's nutrient solution in sand culture. The main stem height and number of main stem node were decreased. thus, leaf area and dry matter were decreased with 100mM NaCl. Growth reduction was less little in Hwangkeumkong than other cultivars. The stem growth rate was affected less than other parts as root or leaf, by NaCl treatment. The specific leaf area (SLA), shoot : root ratio and leaf : root ratio decreased with NaCl solution except for those of Hwangkeumkong. There is no general tendency in leaf thickness by leaf position of three cultivars. The chlorophyll content (SPAD) of the primary and 2nd leaf slightly decreased under NaCl solution but rapidly increased in non-NaCl solution at 15 days after treatments. The photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration of 2nd leaf positions reduced by NaCl and there were a sigificant correlation between photosynthesis and stomatal conductance or transpiration.