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Salinity is one of the major environmental constraints that affect many regions of the globe, and its rate of expansion is expected to increase. The interest in phytoremediation of salt-rich and contaminated soils and water has been increased in recent years, but several aspects about the plants’ responses to salinity still need to be clarified. Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) are among the plant species considered for growing in saline environments. This study aims to investigate the responses of guayule and castor to high concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), and the recovery capacity of castor plants. To meet these purposes, hydroponically grown guayule and castor plants were exposed to increasing NaCl concentrations. Growth parameters (morphological determinations and biomass production), physiological parameters (chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchanges and photosynthetic pigments) and chemical analyses (sodium and mineral nutrient tissue-contents) were evaluated. The typical symptoms of salt-stress were observed in the two species, with differences in their responses to osmotic and ionic-specific stress components. Variations in growth and physiological parameters indicate that guayule and castor showed symptoms of ionic stress when exposed to concentrations of NaCl around 15 g L-1 and 10 g L-1 respectively. Guayule and castor did not survive at hypersaline conditions (above 35 g L-1 NaCl), but they survived at high saline conditions (above 5 g L-1 NaCl), indicating that the two species are suitable to be grown in saline soils and wetlands.

Phytoremediation --- Plant stress --- Salinity --- Sodium --- Salt torelance --- Sciences du vivant > Sciences de l'environnement & écologie