The Effect of Na2SO4 on the Lipid Composition of Sugar Beet Plants

Abstract

Exposure of Beta vulgaris to various levels of Na₂SO₄ (1 to 100 mM) resulted in an enhanced plant growth at 10 and 50 mM Na₂SO₄ and in a reduced plant growth at 100 mM. On a total lipid basis, the content of phospholipids, sulfolipids and sterols + sterol esters of shoots and roots was unaffected at all tested Na₂SO₄ levels. Glycolipid content of the roots was unaffected by Na₂SO₄. However, both on a total lipid and chlorophyll basis, the glycolipid content of the shoots was decreased at enhanced Na₂SO₄ concentrations. The significance of the role of lipids in adaptation to an excess of Na₂SO₄ is discussed.