Effects of salt stress on eco-physiological characteristics in Robinia pseudoacacia based on salt-soil rhizosphere

Robinia pseudoacacia is the main arbor species in the coastal saline–alkali area of the Yellow River Delta. Because most studies focus on the aboveground parts, detailed information regarding root functioning under salinity is scare. Root traits of seedlings of R. pseudoacacia including morphological, physiological and growth properties under four salinity levels (CK, 1‰, 3‰ and 5‰ NaCl) were studied by the pot experiments to better understand their functions and relationships with the shoots. The results showed that seedling biomass decreased by the reduction of root, stem and leaf biomass with the increase of salinity levels. With increasing salinity levels, total root length (TRL) and total root surface area (TRSA) decreased, whereas specific root length (SRL) and specific root area (SRA) increased. Salt stress decreased root activity (RA) and the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax) and increased the water saturation deficit (WSD) significantly in the body. Correlation analyses showed significantly correlations between root morphological and physiological parameters and seedling biomass and shoot physiological indexes. R. pseudoacacia seedlings could adapt to 1‰ salinity by regulating the root morphology and physiology, but failed in 5‰ salinity. How to adjust the water status in the body with decreasing water uptake by roots was an important way for R. pseudoacacia seedlings to adapt to the salt stress. [Display omitted] •Salt stress is the key limited factor of plantation construction in the Yellow River Delta.•The growth of Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings was significantly inhibited by saline–alkali degrees.•Eco-physiological adaptability of R. pseudoacacia was determined by aboveground parts and root.•To control water uptake of R. pseudoacacia seedling by rhizosphere was an important way under salt stress.