The Effect of Salt Stress on Root Development and Architecture in Common Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Abstract

Plant root development and architecture are experiencing a period of increased interest due to climate change and increasing drought stress pressure. It is known that root has a 3-dimensional and complex developmental system, just like above-ground organs. Determination of abiotic stress factors affecting root architecture and development in forage legume species is essential for developing abiotic stress-tolerant cultivars and sustainable agricultural production. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of 0- to 300 mM salt (NaCl) doses on early root development, root architecture, and endosperm usage ratios in two different common grasspea cultivars (Lathyrus sativus L.) with known basic developmental differences. As a result of the study performed with the modified cigar-roll technique, it was observed that in general, 100 to 150 mM and above doses inhibit root growth. The number and length of roots are affected parallel to each other. It was observed that the genotypic differences between the cultivars for the measured parameters related to root development were also reflected in the results. Different cultivars had different levels of tolerance, and the total number and length of roots affect the salt stress inhibition. As a result of the stress encountered in the seedling stage, it was observed that the seed endosperm usage ratio decreased up to 4-fold. It has been observed that evaluation of salt stress tolerance at the seedling stage may shed light on genotypic differences for germination and early development speed, and maybe important for earliness.