Seeds of four lentil genotypes (Castelluccio, Eston, Pantelleria, and Ustica) were subjected to five levels (0, 10, 15, 18, and 21%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Germination percentage, root length, tissue water content (WC), a-and b-amylases, a-glucosidase activities, and osmolyte content were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h after starting the germination test. Water stress reduced seed germination percentage, root length, and seedling WC in all cultivars to different extent. The increase in proline content and total soluble sugars was greater for Eston and Castelluccio compared to the other genotypes. The activity of the enzymes involved in the germination process decreased in all cultivars; the activities of a-amylase and a-glucosidase were most negatively affected by osmotic stress, mainly in the drought sensitive Ustica and Pantelleria. Overall, Eston and Castelluccio were able to express greater drought tolerance and consequently could be used as a valuable resource for breeding programs.

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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