Defining the role of a low affinity cation transporter in salt and drought tolerance of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Cation transport processes across membranes are a major element of plant abiotic stress tolerance. Tolerance to salt stress strongly depends on the plant s ability to prevent entry of Na+ into the cell, as well as to exclude and/or compartmentalise the ion. In addition, all stresses evoke specific elevations of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) through the activation of Ca2+ channels. These [Ca2+]cyt signals are crucial for the initiation of stress responses by activating Ca2+-dependent downstream elements. Roles of cation channels and transporters identified in this project will be exploited in subsequent phases of the IZN to improve the stress tolerance of cereals through conventional and transgenic breeding approaches.