THE EFFECT OF NA2SO4 ON THE LIPID-COMPOSITION OF SUGAR-BEET PLANTS

Exposure of Beta vulgaris to various levels of Na2SO4 (1 to 100 mM) resulted in an enhanced plant growth at 10 and 50 mM Na2SO4 and in a reduced plant growth at 100 mM. On a total lipid basis, the content of phospholipids, sulfolipids and sterols + sterol esters of shoots and roots was unaffected at all tested Na2SO4 levels. Glycolipid content of the roots was unaffected by Na2SO4. However, both on a total lipid and chlorophyll basis, the glycolipid content of the shoots was decreased at enhanced Na2SO4 concentrations. The significance of the role of lipids in adaptation to an excess of Na2SO4 is discussed