Viability of Plants and Isolated Organs under Salinity Conditions

The viability and root formation of whole seedlings and isolated organs were compared in kidney bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) plants grown in the presence of various concentrations of sodium chloride. The response of plant structures depended on the level of their organization. Organ tolerance to NaCl and its ability to root formation increased with the complexity level of the system comprising this organ. We suppose that plant integrity represents a special functionally labile system, which determines plant resistance to adverse environmental conditions. It is noted that the response of individual structures does not necessarily reflect characteristics of the intact plant tolerance.