Effect of PEG-induced drought stress on seed germination of four lentil genotypes

Abstract

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.

Investigation of the Mechanism of Physiological Tolerance in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Cultivars under Drought Stress Conditions

“…Increased proline content in drought-stressed plants has been reported to be less in drought-tolerant types (22). Although Oktem et al (24) have not observed a significant change in proline content in root and shoot tissues under drought stress, our results indicate that proline accumulation does occur under drought stress in the leaves of lentil varieties, which are consistent with the results of previous studies (8,10,25,26,27). Our results also indicate that the rate of photosynthesis and water potential of leaves and flowers decrease under drought stress, which are similar to the results of Liu et al (28).…”

Physiological, Morphological Changes and Storage Root Yield of Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] under PEG-Induced Water Stress

“…4). Similarly, free proline and soluble sugar levels in PEG-induced water stress on potato , pistachio (Khoyerdi et al, 2016), cassava (Fu et al, 2016), Sesuvium portulacastrum (Slama et al, 2007), Bauhinia variegata (Sinhababu and Kar, 2003), lentil (Muscolo et al, 2014) and Apocynum venetum L. (Zhao and Dai, 2015) were increased as major osmotic adjustment.…”

Drought-induced changes in chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and thylakoid membrane proteins of Vigna radiata

“…radiata [L.] Wilczek, contrary to popular belief, cannot tolerate drought stress (Rafieishirvan & Asgharipur 2009), but there are little reports about negative effects of drought stress on yield and physiological characteristics of mungbean. However, in vitro drought-screening methods are facilitating progress in our understanding of drought-resistance traits and in our selection of drought-resistant genotypes (Muscolo et al 2014). This work aimed to evaluate the responses of leaf chlorophyll fluorescence to water deficit in three bean varieties, and to discuss the possible differences between varieties namely RMG 268, K-851, and Anand in relation to changes in photosynthetic pigments, thylakoid membrane proteins, and proline content, as triggered by drought.…”