Effects of Na2CO3 simulated alkali stress on tradeoff strategies of individual and clonal traits of Leymus chinensis​​​​​​​

Abstract

Alkali stress is a significant challenge across the globe which is posing serious threat to crop production and food security. This study was carried out to study the effect of different levels of alkali stress on growth and physiological traits of Leymus chinensis. The study was comprised of different levels of alkali stress; control (CK; 0 mmol·L-1), 25 and 50 mmol·L-1. The results showed that imposition of 50 mmol·L-1 alkali stress substantially reduced the photosynthetic capacity, relative water contents and accumulation of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in plant parts. Further, 50 mmol·L-1 alkali stress also reduced the above and below ground biomass, and severely inhibited the root growth. Moreover, increase in concentration of alkali stress inhibited clone components, tillering, tillering bud, and internode bud of Leymus chinensis. In conclusion the increasing concentration of alkali stress can reduce the growth and biomass production and nutrient accumulation of Leymus chinensis.