Effect of salt stress on growth and biochemical parameters of Pisum sativum L.

Abstract

The effect of salinity on some physio-biochemical parameters in plants of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. EC 33866) has been investigated. Plants were subjected to four salt treatments, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl, for 30 days in sand culture and the physiological responses were measured. Salinity affected all of the considered parameters. Thus, high NaCl concentrations caused a great reduction in growth parameters such as fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, but the leaf number was less affected. These changes were associated with a decrease in the relative water content and the K⁺ concentrations. The proline and sugar content was increased, but nitrate reductase activity and chlorophyll was found to decrease in leaves. The significance of organic solute accumulation in relation to osmotic adjustment has been discussed.