Salt stress poses a challenge to tree species in regions where salinity occurs intermittently. Poplars (Populus spp.) are key species for forestry, yet their responses to salt stress remain underexplored, particularly within the intra-specific variability of Populus deltoides W.Bartram ex Marshall. This study investigates the sodium accumulation strategies of two P. deltoides clones, ’Australiano 129/60’ (A129) and ’Hovyú INTA’ (HOV), to understand their contrasting responses to low salinity levels that affect growth and development. A field trial was conducted in monoclonal and mixed clonal plantations established in 2017. Soil and water table salinity were monitored, and sodium concentrations were measured in the roots, branches, and leaves. Growth traits, including height and diameter, were analyzed in relation to sodium distribution in plant tissues. Results revealed that both clones absorbed sodium at similar rates in their roots; however, their sodium transport mechanisms diverged in the aboveground tissues. A129 avoided sodium accumulation in leaves, likely through mechanisms of exclusion at the xylem level, minimizing ion toxicity and preserving leaf functionality. In contrast, HOV accumulated higher sodium levels in leaves, correlating with visible damage, reduced growth, and a negative impact on diameter increment. The findings demonstrate that even under low salinity conditions, the intra-specific variability of P. deltoides plays a crucial role in determining growth outcomes. A129’s ability to limit sodium accumulation in leaves offers an adaptive advantage, although it does not classify this clone as highly salt-tolerant. This study provides valuable insights into the sodium dynamics of poplar clones, contributing to the selection of suitable genotypes for forestry practices in regions with moderate salinity challenges. Future research should address the role of other ions, such as chloride, and further characterize the exclusion mechanisms employed by A129 to enhance understanding of salinity responses in P. deltoides.
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Citation
Bonnin SM, Alvarez JA, Faustino LI, Graciano C (2025). Two Populus deltoides W.Bartram ex Marshall clones cope differentially with sodium salinity stress. iForest 18: 259-266. - doi: 10.3832/ifor4783-018
Academic Editor
Werther Guidi Nissim
Paper history
Received: Dec 30, 2024
Accepted: May 03, 2025
First online: Oct 10, 2025
Publication Date: Oct 31, 2025
Publication Time: 5.33 months
© SISEF - The Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology 2025
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