Abstract: This study focused on absorption and distribution of main ions in roots, stems and leaves of Salsola passerina seedlings which were soaked in NaCl solutions with concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mmol·L^-1 under salt stresses for 5 d and 10 d, respectively. The results showed that with the increase of the NaCl concentration, Na⁺ in seedlings was reduced but K⁺ was significantly increased; K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in leaves were increased accordingly; Na⁺ content in leaves was lower than that in roots and stems; Cl^- content was decreased in the roots, stems and leaves while Ca²⁺ and Si⁴⁺ contents were increased. Under the same salt stress concentrations the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio gradually raised from roots to the leaves which presented a characteristic of the plant selectively transporting the K⁺ from roots to leaves while preventing Na⁺ entering into leaves.

Key words: salt stress, Salsola passerina, ion content, ion transportation, selectivity coefficient