EFFECT OF SALINITY ON DRY MATTER PRODUCTION, ION ACCUMULATION, SOME METABOLITES AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN WHEAT AND BROAD BEAN

Abstract

Broad bean and wheat plants responded differently to salinity stress. The reduction in the dry weight of shoot of about 65% in wheat (cv. Giza 168) and about 35 % in broad bean (cv. Sakha 1) was associated with the more stability of photosynthetic pigment in broad bean than in wheat. At 150 mM of NaCl, carbohydrates and proteins accumulation in broad bean was evident than in wheat and this was accompanied by accumulation of sufficient amount of Ca2+ ions in broad been and Na+ ions in the shoot and root of wheat. Consequently, lipid peroxides (MDA) content was higher in wheat compared to broad bean plants. The Na+ uptake at the root surface was higher in broad bean than in wheat. However, broad bean showed lowest Na+ translocation from root to shoot. The observable increase in the activity of catalase and proline content in broad bean more than in wheat could play the pivotal role in the detoxification of free radicals.