474:	Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters as convenient monitors of salt stress.

Authors:	Corney, Helen, J.(A)Sasse, Jenneth, M.(A)Ades, Peter, K.(A)
Affiliations:	(A): Forestry School, University of Melbourne
Presenter:	Sasse, Jenneth M., j.sasse@landfood.unimelb.edu.au

oWe are assessing chlorophyll fluorescence parameters as rapid, non-destructive indicators of the response to salt stress in clones of Eucalyptus chosen for use in sustainable afforestation of the salinity-affected Murray/Darling region of Australia, not only to lower the water table, but also for wood production. We hope to detect differences before gross damage is evident, as early screening would have significant economic benefit. Salt was applied to the plants in defined conditions and the effects compared with normally watered controls. Fo in dark-adapted leaves, and Fms, Fds and yield in light-adapted leaves, were correlated with applied salt concentration. Further experiments have focused on Fds and the quenching parameter qN as convenient monitors for both long-and short-term effects of salt. Fds is the simplest to acquire and process, but the method for statistical analysis must be chosen carefully. A representative protocol comparing the responses of 3 salt-tolerant clones of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as well as seedlings from the most tolerant and a more sensitive provenance is illustrated. We thank ForBio Inc. for a Postgraduate Award to H.C. and for plant material.