Determination of the effects of salt stress in spinach by MRI and CT imaging techniques

The research was carried out to determine the changes occurred on the spinach leaf tissues as a result of salt stress by using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography). In study which were used the ‘Meridien F1’ and ‘San Moreno F(1)’ as plant material, plants were grown in hydroponic system including Hoagland nutrient solutions under controlled conditions. For this purpose, the cultivars were grown in a climate chamber at 22/18°C (day/night) temperature, 70% relative humidity, 10/14 h (light/night) photoperiod and under 400 µmol m(‑2) s(‑1) light intensity conditions. Salt applications have been started at the period which plants had 4-5 true leaves and continued until harvest. The salinity of the nutrient solution in the pot was set up with NaCl. Trial were established as randomized plots design with 3 replications and at each replication consisted of two varieties and (‘Meridien F(1)’ and ‘San Moreno F(1)’) cultivars and 4 different salt concentrations [(EC = control (2), 6, 8 and 10 dS m(‑1))] were applied. Imaging studies were performed with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography). MRI images were obtained by taking coronal and axial reference planes of the leaves using T1 weighted (T1W) C + and proton weighted (PDW) sequences in GE Healthcare Brand (General Electric, UK) 1.5 Tesla MR device. In CT imaging, General Electric (UK) the Bright Speed Model with 16 detectors device was used. Sections taken at 0.625 mm diameter, 80 kV and 10 mA values following the angio protocol were examined and then with the help of postprocess multiplanar and volume rendering observations, the images were obtained. The most developed leaves of 3 plants at harvesting period were chosen and examined for the study. According to the observations of MRI and CT images, it was determined that the leaf texture of ‘Meridian F(1)’ against salt stress was less deformed than the leaf texture of ‘San Moreno F(1)’ and at the same time, the water transmission of ‘Meridian F(1)’ was better than ‘San Moreno’. By this research, it was shown that the damage caused due to salt stress could be determined in the early period by using MRI and CT imaging.