Seed Germination and Physiological Response of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivars under Saline Conditions

Abstract

The purpose of the experiment was to highlight the germination of sunflower seeds affected by the presence of saline stress and the identification of tolerant genotypes. The biological material was represented by sunflower cvs. (Helianthus annuus L.): Coril, Select, Santiago and Fundulea-206. To simulate the saline conditions, germination solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl) were used with concentrations corresponding to the osmotic pressures -6 and -10 atm and the control seed hydration was performed with distilled water. Determination of seed germination, growth of seedling, percentage of plumules dry matter, chlorophyll content and free proline were performed. The experimental data obtained suppose the existence in the assimilation apparatus of sunflowers seedling subjected to stress a competitive chlorophyll/free proline biosynthesis processes. The experimental results regarding the effect of salinity on seed germination and seedling growth revealed important differences between genotypes. The radicle growth in the germination process were strongly affected by saline excess, with significant differences between cultivars. Saline stress results in significant reductions in the amount of chlorophyll, and high levels of free proline. It can be observed that with the increase of the stress level the percentage of the dry matter increases, indicating an accentuated water deficit.

EFFECTS OF SALT STRESS ON SOME GROWTH PARAMETERS AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

“…Soil salinization hazardously presents a global problem that threatens land productivity and recent estimates show that 50% of all arable land will be powerfully affected by salinity by 2050. It is scientifically, therefore, significant to possess precisely a global look at the fertile soil's salinity response to minimize economic losses and maximize food security [Beinsan et al 2018]…”