Physiological and biochemical adaptations of Hedysarum coronarium L. and Hedysarum criniferum Boiss to salinity stress

Abstract

Salinity is one of the major environmental stresses that limit plant growth and productivity. In this study, the effects of salt stress on physiological and biochemical parameters were investigated in Hedysarum coronarium L. and Hedysarum criniferum species The NaCl treatments in Hoagland’s nutrient solution were: Control (no salt: 0.81 ds/m NaCl), 10.67, 20.33, 22.66 and 26.59 ds/m. Plants were irrigated with Hoagland’s nutrient solution during 4 months. Salt treatments were applied for 37 days. Gas exchange parameters, relative water content, proline, chlorophyll, carotenoids and stomata characteristics were measured. Data analysis showed that the measured parameters except intercellular CO2 concentration in both species were affected by salt stress. The lowest amount parameters measured, relative water content, proline, chlorophyll, carotenoids and stomata characteristics were observed at 26.59 ds/ m NaCl salinity. Proline and number stomata increased with increasing salinity in both species. In general, H. criniferum was more affected by salinity than H. coronarium. The results of this study suggested that H.coronarium is relatively better suited under salt stress conditions than H. criniferum.