Spartum(Lygeum spartum L.) is a plant of great ecological (against desertification) and economic (especially in the paper industry) value. It is one of the perennial grass species of the North African steppes. Its physiological behavior in relation to NaCl (0, 50 and 100 mM) was studied at the germination and early stages in hydroponics and under controlled conditions. The germination rate of L. spartum seeds decreased by 25% at a salt concentration of 58 mM NaCl. After two weeks of treatment, only the 100 mM concentration reduced growth. Osmotic ( pi) and water ( ) potentials, associated with a significant accumulation of sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl-), are strongly lowered, while turgor ( ) remained stable. Glycine betaine is accumulated in significant quantities as a function of applied NaCl concentration, while sugar accumulation contributes only slightly to osmotic adjustment. The trials carried out in this experiment show that L. spartum is moderately tolerant to salinity. Its cultivation could therefore be considered in saline areas.
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