Mechanisms of Response to Salt Stress in Oleander (Nerium oleander L.)

Abstract

[EN] mulation, activation of antioxidant systems), have been studied in Nerium oleander, a xerophytic species widely used as ornamental. Salt strongly inhibited growth, but the plants survived one month in the presence of 800 mM NaCl, indicating that the species is also relatively resistant to salt stress. Salt induced a slight increase in the levels of proline, glycine betaine and soluble sugars; the latter compounds showed much higher absolute contents, suggesting a functional role in osmotic adjustment, and the presence of constitutive mechanisms of response to salt stress. High salinity generated oxidative stress in the plants, as shown by the increase of malondialdehyde levels. Antioxidant systems, enzymatic and