Genetic control of salt tolerance in barley

Genetic control of salt tolerance is discussed with particular reference to the genes on chromosomes 4H and 5H. A multidisciplinary approach has been taken involving cytogenetics, genetic fingerprinting, genetic mapping, alternative splicing, induced mutation, ecology, physiology and stable isotope discrimination. Genes with effects on chromosome 4H include the vernalization gene, sh, and the Rubisco activase gene, Rca. Mutations at the ari-e locus on chromosome 5H were found to have positive effects on tolerance to salt. Whereas the effects of sh and ari-e are thought to be pleiotropic and constitutive, evidence for environmental influences on the splicing of Rca was found. (author). 17 refs