[Develop the rural ecology in the New Era]. / 发展新时代的乡村生态学.

Rural ecology is a comprehensive field of study that takes the rural social-ecological-economic systems as the objective object and emphasizes spatial carrier governance. The development of rural ecology in the New Era embodies and implements comprehensively the core concepts of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Cha-racteristics for a New Era, including harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, rural revitalization, green development, and the comprehensive construction of a socialist modernized nation. Under the goal of Chinese-style modernization, rural ecology exhibits characteristics distinct from the past, such as the integration of research objects, the intersectionality of basic theories, the computational feature of technical methods, and the orientation of exporting outcomes. To provide disciplinary support for modernization-oriented science to meet the new demands of country's rural development, effectively narrating the story of sustainable rural development in China and providing fundamental guarantees for the safety of rural systems, a number of issues such as paradigm innovation in research, improvement of data quality, and integration of comprehensive technologies, should be fully considered.

Melatonin mediates reactive oxygen species homeostasis via SlCV to regulate leaf senescence in tomato plants.

Melatonin (MT) functions in removing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and delaying plant senescence, thereby acting as an antioxidant; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the specific action of MT is unclear. Herein, we used the mutant plants carrying the MT decomposition gene melatonin 3-hydroxylase (M3H) in tomato to elucidate the specific mechanism of action of MT. SlM3H-OE accelerated senescence by decreasing the content of endogenous MT in plants. SlM3H is a senescence-related gene that positively regulates aging. MT inhibited the expression of the senescence-related gene SlCV to scavenge ROS, induced stable chloroplast structure, and delayed leaf senescence. Simultaneously, MT weakened the interaction between SlCV and SlPsbO/SlCAT3, reduced ROS production in photosystem II, and promoted ROS elimination. In conclusion, MT regulates ROS homeostasis and delays leaf aging in tomato plants through SlCV expression modulation.

[Analysis of chlorophyll and photosynthesis of a tomato chlorophyll-deficient mutant induced by EMS.] / 一个番茄EMSå¶è‰²é»„åŒ–çªå˜ä½“çš„å¶ç»¿ç´ å«é‡åŠå ‰åˆä½œç”¨.

We analyzed the growth, leaf chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic parameters of a tomato leaf yellowing mutant (Y55) induced by ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) from the cultivar "Heinz 1706" (WT). Results showed that the plant height, stem diameter, and fresh mass of Y55 significantly . The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, total chlorophyll and the chlorophyll a/b ratio of the mutant were significantly lower than those of WT. The contents of all precursor materials of chlorophyll synthesis, especially porphyrinogen III and those involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, were significantly lower in Y55 than those in WT. Moreover, the net photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and conductance to H2O (gs) significantly in Y55. The maximum photosynthetic rate, CO2 saturation and compensation point, and light saturation and compensation point. The Fv/Fm significantly, whereas the Fo significantly in Y55. The photosynthetic electron production and electron transport rates of PSII and PSI also significantly decreased. The total photosynthetic pigment molecules (No) and the minimum average lifetime of photosynthetic pigment molecules in the excited state (τmin) significantly in Y55. All these results suggest that blocking the synthesis of porphyrinogen III ould decrease the chlorophyll content in the mutant Y55. Furthermore, the reduced amount of leaf pigment could affect photosynthesis in leaves and slow down the growth of mutant plants.

Response of linear and cyclic electron flux to moderate high temperature and high light stress in tomato.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible photoprotection mechanisms of cyclic and linear electron flux (CEF and LEF) under specific high temperature and high light (HH) stress. METHODS: Six-leaf-stage tomato seedlings ("Liaoyuanduoli", n=160) were divided into four parts: Part 1, served as control under 25 °C, 500 µmol/(m2·s); Part 2, spayed with distilled water (H2O) under 35 °C, 1000 µmol/(m2·s) (HH); Part 3, spayed with 100 µmol/L diuron (DCMU, CEF inhibitor) under HH; Part 4, spayed with 60 µmol/L methyl viologen (MV, LEF inhibitor) under HH. Energy conversion, photosystem I (PSI), and PSII activity, and trans-thylakoid membrane proton motive force were monitored during the treatment of 5 d and of the recovering 10 d. RESULTS: HH decreased photochemical reaction dissipation (P) and the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), and increased the excitation energy distribution coefficient of PSII (ß); DCMU and MV aggravated the partition imbalance of the excitation energy (γ) and the photoinhibition degree. With prolonged DCMU treatment time, electron transport rate and quantum efficiency of PSI (ETRI and YI) significantly decreased whereas acceptor and donor side limitation of PSI (YNA and YND) increased. MV led to a significant decline and accession of yield of regulated and non-regulated energy YNPQ and YNO, respectively. Membrane integrity and ATPase activity were reduced by HH stress, and DCMU and MV enhanced inhibitory actions. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effects of CEF and LEF were mediated to a certain degree by meliorations in energy absorption and distribution as well as by maintenance of thylakoid membrane integrity and ATPase activity.

[Effect of root-zone CO2 enrichment on tomato photosynthetic physiology].

The root system of tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. Liaoyuanduoli) was treated with CO2 enrichment by aeroponical culture for 60 days. The experiment showed that the chlorophyll content and leaf area of tomato plant were significantly lower under 2500 µL . L-1 or above CO2 condition of root zones than under 370 µL . L-1 CO2 condition. At the same time the Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+ -ATPase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) of plant leaf were significantly reduced while the PEPC of root increased significantly, which resulted in the significant decreases of net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration of plant leaves. The results indicated that under a long-term root-zone CO2 enrichment condition, the decline of photosynthetic physiological parameters of tomato leaf maybe mainly result from the increased PEPC of root, and the decreased CO2 fixation, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase of leaves.

[Regulation of biochar on matrix enzyme activities and microorganisms around cucumber roots under continuous cropping].

The effects of addition of biochar on the matrix enzymes activity, microorganisms population and microbial community structure were evaluated under cucumber continuous cropping for 6 years (11 rotations). Cucumbers were grown in pots in greenhouse with 5% or 3% of medium (by mass) substituted with biochar. The control consisted of medium alone without biochar. The results showed that the activity of peroxidase was significantly improved to the level of the first rotation crop form 30 to 120 d after planting in both biochar treatments, with the effect of 5% biochar being more significant than that of 3% biochar. However, the neutral phosphatase activity was markedly reduced after biochar treatment. The addition of 5% biochar had significant regulation effect on the activities of invertase and urease from 30 to 90 d after planting, while the addition of 3% biochar had little effect. The populations of bacteria and actinomycetes were increased and the fungi population was reduced in both biochar treatments from 30 to 90 d after planting, and the effect of 5% biochar was more significant than that of 3% biochar. Meanwhile, the addition of biochar significantly increased the diversity of the bacterial community structure. In summary, biochar had obvious regulation effect on soil enzyme activity, microorganism quantity and microbial community in continuous cropping nutrition medium.

Proteomics profiling of ethylene-induced tomato flower pedicel abscission.

The control of abscission is an important agricultural concern because of its substantial effect on crop yield and quality. Changes in gene expression are correlated with the ethylene-mediated execution of abscission. However, only few large-scale proteomic studies focused on tomato pedicel abscission. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification labeling was used to examine the protein and phosphoprotein changes in the tomato pedicel AZ (AZ) treated with ethylene or 1-methylcyclopropene. Among the 1429 quantified proteins, 383 unique peptides corresponding to 166 proteins showed higher than 1.5-fold change in abundance. A total of 450 phosphopeptides were detected, among which 85 phosphopeptides corresponding to 73 phosphoproteins were significantly regulated (>1.5-fold abundance change) in response to ethylene. Protein and phosphoprotein sets showed 26 similar proteins. Six phosphorylation motifs were extracted from the 138 phosphorylation sites. By analyzing translational and modification levels, we found that the modification level was not due to the translational changes. Comparison between the protein and phosphoprotein functions revealed that the proteins acted mainly in the metabolic process and showed catalytic activity, whereas most of the phosphoproteins showed signaling and transporting activities. Data revealed the unique features of the AZ phosphoproteomics, thereby suggesting the involvement of a complex network of kinase-substrate and phosphatase-substrate interactions in response to ethylene. Some phosphorylation sites from calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK5(S523)), CDPK5(S527), and SRL3(S329) were also found to perform protective functions for AZ and to be helpful in ethylene signal transduction. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Organ abscission has both positive and negative roles. Abscission is conducive for the fall of ripe fruits and the release and dispersion of seeds, but abscission has been a major limiting factor for crop productivity. Hence, more details about the process may aid in the regulation of organ abscission. However, at present, the detailed mechanism of abscission is still unclear. In tomato, several transcriptome analyses were performed using pedicels as materials. Yet, no large-scale proteomics and phosphoproteomic studies of abscission zone have been reported so far. Hence, in this present study, we determined the ethylene-induced changes in the proteomics and phosphoproteomics of tomato flower AZ tissue using the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). Proteomics data from both data sets revealed the differentially expressed proteins that are associated with the translational and modification levels relevant to abscission mechanism. Two key proteins (CDPK (CDPK5(S523) and CDPK5(S527)) and SRL3(S329)) among ethylene signal transduction and defense-related proteins were obtained from the phosphoproteins. The set of tomato phosphorylation sites presented in this work is useful in at least two ways. First, as a database resource, the data would facilitate research on the identified phosphoproteins. Second, the identified sites of the related proteins could provide enough knowledge for further experiments. Hence, our results contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of abscission in plants.

Characterization of LpGPAT gene in Lilium pensylvanicum and response to cold stress.

LpGPAT was obtained from L. pensylvanicum using RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cloned full-length cDNA was 1544 bp; it encoded 410 amino acids and had a molecular size of 46 KDa. The nucleic acid sequence analysis showed that it shared high homology with other known GPATs. SMAT result suggests that there is a PlsC that exists in 176-322 amino acid sequence of LpGAPT; it means LpGPAT protein is a member of the family of acyltransferase and has acyltransferase enzymatic activity. Result of real-time quantitative PCR and semiquantitative PCR support LpGPAT gene is definitely induced by low temperature stress.

[Synergistion mechanism of exogenous Ca2+ to SA-induced resistance to Botrytis cinerea in tomato].

In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous calcium and salicylic acid (SA) on Botrytis cinerea resistance in tomato seedlings. We treated a tomato strain susceptible to Botrytis cinerea with foliar spraying of water, SA, SA+CaCl2 and SA+EGTA (Ca2+ chelating agent) for one to five days. During the treatment, leaves were collected to analyze the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, chintase and ß-1,3-glucanase levels, and the expression of pathogenesis related protein 1, 2, 3 (PR1, PR2, PR3). Three days after infection, the disease index was 74.8 in control plants, and 46.9, 38.5 and 70.3 in SA, SA+Ca and SA+ EGTA treated plants, respectively. SA treatment significantly increased ROS leaf accumulation, and activities of PAL, chintase and ß-1,3-glucanase. These values were further enhanced in SA+Ca treated plants, but decreased in SA+EGTA treated plants. Application of SA significantly increased the expression levels of PR1, PR2a and PR3b, which were further elevated by the combination treatment with Ca2+. These effects were counteracted by the combination treatment of SA and EGTA. The transcription levels of PR2b and PR3a were up-regulated by 1-2 folds, and PR1, 2a and 3b by 2-5 folds in SA- and SA+Ca-treated plants relative to control. These data suggested that application of Ca2+ could synergistically increase SA-induced resistance to B. cinerea. The resistance was associated with ROS accumulation, therefore the increase in resistance might be through ROS ability to increase the activity of defense-related enzymes and expression levels of PR1, PR2a and PR3b.

[Effects of nutrition medium on cucumber growth and soil microenvironment in greenhouse under continuous cropping].

An experiment of continuous cropping of cucumber in nutrition medium (composted with straw, rural soil and puffed chicken manure) or soil was conducted in greenhouse in order to study the effects of medium type on the cucumber growth and soil microenvironment, respectively. The results showed that the two treatments both displayed different levels of obstacles resulted from continuous cropping. In the same cropping season, the nutrient content, soil invertase and urease activities and B/F (bacteria/fungi) ratio in the nutrition medium were obviously higher but fungi quantity was lower than in the soil medium, suggesting the use of nutrition medium changed the bacterial population structure as to improve the cucumber growth and yield. Under continuous cropping, correlation analysis showed that the bacterial quantity was significantly positively related with plant height and root dry mass, and markedly significantly positive correlation exited between the aboveground dry mass and yield of cucumber. The urease activity was also significantly positively related with the cucumber yield. Compared with the soil medium, the nutrition medium could greatly improve soil microenvironment and alleviate the continuous cropping obstacle.

Ultrastructural localization of polygalacturonase in ethylene-stimulated abscission of tomato pedicel explants.

Polygalacturonase (PG) is crucial in plant organ abscission process. This paper investigated the cellular and subcellular localization of PG in ethylene-stimulated abscission of tomato pedicel explants. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of abscission zone sections with the fluorescent probe Cy3 revealed that PG was initially accumulated in parenchyma cells in cortical and vascular tissues after 8 h of ethylene treatment and then extended throughout the abscission zone when the abscission zone separated at 24 h after ethylene treatment. At the subcellular level, transmission electron microscopy with immunogold staining showed that PG showed abundant accumulation in the cortical and vascular tissues at 8 h after ethylene treatment, and the distribution area extended to the central parenchyma cells at 16 h after ethylene treatment. In addition, PGs were observed in the distal and proximal parts of the tomato pedicel explants throughout the abscission process. The results provided a visualized distribution of PG in the pedicel abscission zone and proved that PG was closely related to abscission.

[Regulation of different calcium forms on the photosynthesis of tomato leaves under heat stress].

The regulation of different calcium forms, namely CaCl2, Nano-calcium and Manntiol-calcuim, on the gas exchange and fluorescence of tomato leaves under heat stress was investigated. The results showed that all forms of calcium alleviated the decrease of chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents in leaves of tomato seedlings under heat stress, enhanced the net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) to varying degrees, reduced the quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation [Y(NO)] of PSII and quantum yield of non-photochemical energy dissipation in PSI due to acceptor side limitation [Y(NA)], promoted the regulated energy dissipation [Y(NPQ)] and quantum yield of non-photochemical energy dissipation in PSI due to donor side limitation [Y(ND)], and increased the calcium content in leaves. Generally, manntiol-calcium and nano-calcium were more effective than CaCl2, and more suitable to enhance the photosynthesis of leaves oftomato seedlings under heat stress.

Functional expression of FIP-fve, a fungal immunomodulatory protein from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes in Pichia pastoris GS115.

FIP-fve is a bioactive protein isolated from the mushroom Flammulina velutipes, which belongs to the fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP) family and demonstrates several kinds of biological activities including anti-allergy, anti-tumor and immunomodulation. In the current study, the FIP-fve gene was cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris GS115, and its correctness was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Optimal expression of rFIP-fve was observed when the P. pastoris cells were cultured in 1% methanol for 9 6h, which resulted in a yield of 258.2 mg l(-1). The rFIP-fve protein was subsequently purified via ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-100 gel chromatography. In vitro bioactivity examination showed that rFIP-fve could agglutinate human red blood cells and stimulate the cell viability of murine splenocytes. The immunomodulatory capacity and anti-tumor activity of rFIP-fve were demonstrated by enhanced interleukin-2 secretion and interferon-γ release from the murine lymphocytes, similar to the biological FIP-fve. In conclusion, the FIP-fve gene was functionally and effectively expressed in P. pastoris, and rFIP-fve displayed biological activities similar to those of native FIP-fve. These results indicated the potential use of rFIP-fve from P. pastoris as an effective and feasible source for therapeutic studies and medical applications.

[Effects of elevated rhizosphere CO2 concentration on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality of muskmelon].

By using aeroponics culture system, this paper studied the effects of elevated rhizosphere CO2 concentration on the leaf photosynthesis and the fruit yield and quality of muskmelon during its anthesis-fruiting period. In the fruit development period of muskmelon, as compared with those in the control (350 microL CO2 x L (-1)), the leaf chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and the maximal photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm) in treatments 2500 and 5000 microL CO2 x L(-1) decreased to some extents, but the stomatal limitation value (Ls) increased significantly, and the variation amplitudes were larger in treatment 5000 microL CO2 x L(-1) than in treatment 2500 microL CO2 x L(-1). Under the effects of elevated rhizosphere CO2 concentration, the fruit yield per plant and the Vc and soluble sugar contents in fruits decreased markedly, while the fruit organic acid content was in adverse. It was suggested that when the rhizosphere CO2 concentration of muskmelon during its anthesis-fruiting period reached to 2500 microL x L(-1), the leaf photosynthesis and fruit development of muskmelon would be depressed obviously, which would result in the decrease of fruit yield and quality of muskmelon.

[Achene morphology cluster analysis of Taraxacum F. H. Wigg. from northeast China and molecule systematics evidence determined by SRAP].

The achenes morphological and micro-morphological characteristics of six species of genus Taraxacum from northeastern China as well as SRAP cluster analysis were observed for their classification evidences. The achenes were observed by microscope and EPMA. Cluster analysis was given on the basis of the size, shape, cone proportion, color and surface sculpture of achenes. The Taraxacum inter-species achene shape characteristic difference is obvious, particularly spinulose distribution and size, achene color and achene size; with the Taraxacum plant achene shape the cluster method T. antungense Kitag. and the T. urbanum Kitag. should combine for the identical kind; the achene morphology cluster analysis and the SRAP tagged molecule systematics's cluster result retrieves in the table with "the Chinese flora". The class group to divide the result is consistent. Taraxacum plant achene shape characteristic stable conservative, may carry on the inter-species division and the sibship analysis according to the achene shape characteristic combination difference; the achene morphology cluster analysis as well as the SRAP tagged molecule systematics confirmation support dandelion classification result of "the Chinese flora".

Grafting helps improve photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in leaves of muskmelon.

The most important quality for muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is their sweetness which is closely related to the soluble sugars content. Leaves are the main photosynthetic organs in plants and thus the source of sugar accumulation in fruits since sugars are translocated from leaves to fruits. The effects of grafting muskmelon on two different inter-specific (Cucurbita maxima×C. moschata) rootstocks was investigated with respect to photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Grafting Zhongmi1 muskmelon on RibenStrong (GR) or Shengzhen1 (GS) rootstocks increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a+b content and the leaf area in middle and late developmental stages of the plant compared to the ungrafted Zhongmi1 check (CK). Grafting enhanced the net photosynthesis rate, the stomatal conductance, concentration of intercellular CO(2) and transpiration rate. Grafting influenced carbohydrates contents by changing carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities which was observed as an increase in acid invertase and neutral invertase activity in the functional leaves during the early and middle developmental stages compared to CK. Grafting improved sucrose phosphate synthase and stachyose synthase activities in middle and late developmental stages, thus translocation of sugars (such as sucrose, raffinose and stachyose) in GR and GS leaves were significantly enhanced. However, compared with CK, translocation of more sugars in grafted plants did not exert feedback inhibition on photosynthesis. Our results indicate that grafting muskmelon on inter-specific rootstocks enhances photosynthesis and translocation of sugars in muskmelon leaves.

[Effects of long-term fertilization on soil enzyme activities and soil physicochemical properties of facility vegetable field].

An investigation was made on a long-term fertilization facility vegetable field at Shenyang Agricultural University to study the effects of long-term fertilization on the soil enzyme activities and soil physicochemical properties. Long term application of organic manure combined with or without nitrogen fertilizer increased the contents of soil organic matter, N, P, and K, and improved the soil physical properties and soil invertase, urease, and neutral phosphatase activities. However, long-term application of nitrogen fertilizer alone decreased soil pH and soil enzymes activities. Significant positive correlations were observed between soil invertase activity and soil organic matter and total P, between soil urease activity and soil organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzable N, total and available P, and available K, and between soil neutral phosphatase activity and soil organic matter, total P, and available K, but less correlation was found between soil dehydrogenase activity and soil nutrients.

[Impacts of root-zone hypoxia stress on muskmelon growth, its root respiratory metabolism, and antioxidative enzyme activities].

By using aeroponics culture system, this paper studied the impacts of root-zone hypoxia (10% O2 and 5% O2) stress on the plant growth, root respiratory metabolism, and antioxidative enzyme activities of muskmelon at its fruit development stage. Root-zone hypoxia stress inhibited the plant growth of muskmelon, resulting in the decrease of plant height, root length, and fresh and dry biomass. Comparing with the control (21% O2), hypoxia stress reduced the root respiration rate and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity significantly, and the impact of 5% O2 stress was more serious than that of 10% O2 stress. Under hypoxic conditions, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content were significantly higher than the control. The increment of antioxidative enzyme activities under 10% O2 stress was significantly higher than that under 5% O2 stress, while the MDA content was higher under 5% O2 stress than under 10% O2 stress, suggesting that when the root-zone oxygen concentration was below 10%, the aerobic respiration of muskmelon at its fruit development stage was obviously inhibited while the anaerobic respiration was accelerated, and the root antioxidative enzymes induced defense reaction. With the increasing duration of hypoxic stress, the lipid peroxidation would be aggravated, resulting in the damages on muskmelon roots, inhibition of plant growth, and decrease of fruit yield and quality.

[Effects of substrate-aeration cultivation pattern on tomato growth].

Aeroponics can increase the fruit yield of tomato plant, but its cost is very high. In this paper, tomato seedlings were planted with three cultures, i. e., whole perlite culture (CK), perlite-aeration culture (T1), and aeroponics (T2), and a comparative study was made on the seedlings growth. Compared with CK, T1 improved the gas environment in root zone significantly, with the CO2 and O2 concentrations in root zone being 0.2 and 1.17 times higher, and increased the plant height and stem diameter after 60 days of transplanting by 5.1% and 8.4%, respectively. The plant net photosynthetic rate of T1 was significantly higher than that of CK, with the maximum value after transplanting 45 days increased by 13%. T1 also increased the root activity and ion absorbing ability significantly, with the root activity after transplanting 45 days being 1.23 times of CK, and the root K, Ca, and Mg contents after transplanting 60 days increased by 31%, 37%, and 27%, respectively. The fruit yield of T1 was 1.16 times of CK. No significant differences in these indices were observed between T1 and T2, and less difference in the fruit soluble sugar and organic acid contents as well as the sugar-acid ratio was found among CK, T1, and T2. It was suggested that perlite-aeration cultivation pattern was an easy and feasible way to markedly improve the fruit yield of tomato plant.

[Salt resistance of different tomato genotypes at seed germination stage].

Based on the cluster analysis of relative germination potential and relative germination rate under NaCl stress, fourteen tomato genotypes were clustered into two groups. Five tomato genotypes held high resistance to NaCl stress, and nine tomato genotypes were moderately NaCl- tolerant. The highly NaCl- tolerant genotypes wild Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Liaoyuanhongmanao and Hongbaoshi and the moderately NaCl- tolerant genotype Liaoyuanhongduoli were then under different Na(+)-salts and NaCl, Na+, and Cl- stresses. The responses of the four tomato genotypes to different Na(+)-salts stress were the same as those to NaCl stress. Among the test Na(+)-salts, NaHCO3 had the greatest impact. Under the stress of 100 mmol NaHCO3 x L(-1), the embryo's relative lengths of the four tomato genotypes were all below 8%. The inhibitory effect of test Na(+)-salts on tomato seed germination was in the order of NaNO3 < Na2SO4 < NaH2PO4 < NaCl < NaHCO3. As for NaCl, Na+ and Cl-, the Cl- had the smallest injury.