Solute patterns of four halophytic plant species at Suncheon Bay in Korea

• Published in: Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 131 - 137
• Main Authors: Choi, Sung-Chul, Choi, Deok-Gyun, Hwang, Jeong-Sook, Kim, Jong-Guk, Choo, Yeon-Sik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국생태학회 28.08.2014
• Subjects: 생물학
• ISSN: 2287-8327; 2288-1220
• DOI: 10.5141/ecoenv.2014.016

To investigate the solute pattern of salt marsh plants in Suncheon Bay in Korea, plants and soil samples were collected at three sites (Carex scabrifolia and Phragmites communis, site 1; Suaeda malacosperma, site 2; Suaeda japonica, site 3) once a month from July to September. The soil pH around the investigated species was weakly alkaline, 6.9–8.1. The total ion and Cl- content of site 1 gradually increased, while those of site 2 and site 3 were lowest in August and highest in September. The exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ in the soil was relatively constant during the study period, but the soil exchangeable Na+ content was variable. Leaves of the investigated plant species were collected once a month in their natural habitats from July to September. Carex scabrifolia and Pharagmites communis had constant leaf water content during the period. Suaeda malacosperma and Suaeda japonica had high leaf water content, but this decreased after August. C. scabrifolia and P. communis had very high concentrations of soluble carbohydrates. However, S. malacosperma and S. japonica had very low, but constant soluble carbohydrate concentrations. C. scabrifolia accumulated similar amounts of Na+ and K+ ions in its leaves. P. communis contained a high concentration of K+ ions. S. japonica and S. malacosperma had more Na+ and Cl- ions than K+ ions in their leaves. S. japonica had higher levels of glycine betaine in its leaves under saline conditions than Carex scabrifolia and Phragmites communis. According to these results, it can be concluded that the physiological characteristics of salt marsh chenopodiaceous plants (S. japonica and S. malacosperma) are the high storage capacity for inorganic ions (especially alkali cations and chloride) and accumulation of glycine betaine, but monocotyledonous plant species (C. scabrifolia and P. communis) show high K+ concentrations, efficient regulation of ionic uptake (exclusion of Na+ and Cl-), and accumulation of soluble carbohydrates. These characteristics enable salt marsh plants to grow in saline habitats. KCI Citation Count: 1