Abstract
Four lentil cultivars, Eston (E), Rossa of Castelluccio (RC), Pantelleria (P) and Ustica (U) differing in salt sensitivity, were examined for osmolyte contents and activities of α-amylase, β-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in seed germination, in absence as well as in presence of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl. The inhibitory effects of NaCl differed, depending on the genotypes tested. In Castelluccio and Eston, cultivars with reduced germination percentage and lower relative water content, the increase in NaCl concentration resulted in the decrease in endogenous levels of proline, total soluble sugars and activities of the main enzymes involved in the germination process. In contrast, Pantelleria and Ustica seeds in response to salt stress accumulated higher proline and total soluble sugar concentrations which improved their water status and the enzyme activities involved in the germination process. Differential response of the different genotypes of lentil to salt stress may be governed by the accumulation of osmolytes in seeds.
Highlights
The progressive salinization of land is one of the most severe world wide problems in agriculture production[1, 2], being the major common abiotic stress for plant in arid or semiarid regions
Germination of all cultivars began from 24 h after sowing, reaching germination percentage higher than 98% in control seeds
At 48 and 72 h the germination percentage of Castelluccio and Eston under salinity was significantly lower compared to Pantelleria and Ustica
Summary
The progressive salinization of land is one of the most severe world wide problems in agriculture production[1, 2], being the major common abiotic stress for plant in arid or semiarid regions. Salts that generally are a common and necessary component of soil, essential plant nutrient, up to 45 ds m 1 (50 mM) can cause reduction in water availability, sodium ions accumulation and mineral imbalances that affect seed germination and plant metabolism[3]. Four genotypes of lentil with different salinity tolerance[17] were studied to determine factors responsible for failure of germination. To fulfil such an aim, the effects of different NaCl concentrations were evaluated on relevant biochemical processes associated with seed germination
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
