SALINITY INDUCED STRESS EFFECTS ON BIOMASS, PHOTOSYNTHETIC RATE, AND ROS-SCAVENGING ENZYMES ACCUMULATION OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.

We studied salinity stress in common bean, its effect on biomass production, photosynthetic apparatus, and accumulation of antioxidant enzymes in the plant system.
Seedlings were cultivated in nutrient solution supplemented with increasing concentrations of NaCl, up to 100 mM. After 10 days of salinity treatment, the plants were harvested and dry biomass, enzyme activity and protein contents were determined.
Salinity stress had adverse effect on the biomass yield, functioning of most the antioxidants, and photosynthesis of the two cultivars.
We also found that Na⁺ decreased bean growth, notably at high NaCl (100 mM) levels. ‘HRS 516’ accumulated less Na⁺ than ‘RO21’. SOD enzyme activity exhibited a marked increase of 3-fold in both bean cultivars under saline conditions as compared with other antioxidants (APX, CAT and GR). Photosynthesis and biomass are the most reliable indicators of plant functioning in response to salinity stress.

International Conference on Quality Management of Fresh Cut Produce

P.B.S. Gama, K. Tanaka, Z. Ahmed, K. El Siddig

Phaseolus vulgaris L., salinity stress, biomass, antioxidants, APX, CAT, GR, SOD

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.746.46