The effects of salt stress on the germination and antioxidative enzyme activityof Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonicaCrantz.) varieties

Abstract

Among abiotic stresses, salinity is one of the most important affecting agricultural production world-wide. In this study, 5 different salt (NaCl) concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and, 200 mM) were investigated on the germination and antioxidative enzyme activity of Hungarian vetch seeds. The germination rates, shoot and root lengths, shoot and root fresh weights, shoot/root ratios, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were evaluated and analyzed at 15 days after placing the seeds in petri dishes. The results indicated a significant variation in the germination and early seedling growth characteristic responses of the varieties to NaCl salinity. It was seen that increasing the NaCl concentration resulted in a decrease in the early seedling growth characteristic germination rates and values of all of varieties used in experiment. However, these decreased less in the tolerant varieties than in the sensitive ones. Under stress conditions, the tolerant varieties showed less of an increase in MDA and more of an increase in SOD, CAT, APX, and GR than the intolerant varieties, indicating that saline stress induces the production of reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in an increase MDA and oxidative stress in the varieties. In Hungarian vetch, this increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities is associated with salt stress tolerance. These results might be beneficial in breeding programs relevant to salinity stress resistance.