Morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of Chili (Capsicum annum L.) genotypes grown under varying salinity levels

Abstract

Climate change is causing soil salinization, resulting in huge crop losses throughout the world. Multiple physiological and biochemical pathways determine the ability of plants to tolerate salt stress. Chili (Capsicum annum L.) is a salt-susceptible crop; therefore, its growth and yield is negatively impacted by salinity. Irreversible damage at cell level and photo inhibition due to high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and less CO2 availability caused by water stress is directly linked with salinity. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the impact of five NaCl salinity levels, i.e., 0,1.5, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 dS m-1 on growth, biochemical attributes and yield of two chili genotypes (‘Plahi’ and ‘A-120’). Salinity stress significantly reduced fresh and dry weight, relative water contents, water use efficiency, leaf osmotic potential, glycine betaine (GB) contents, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Ci), and chlorophyll contents of tested genotypes. Salinity stress significantly enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and activities of the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). In addition, increasing salinity levels significantly reduced the tissue phosphorus and potassium concentrations, while enhanced the tissue sodium and chloride concentrations. Genotype ‘Plahi’ had better growth and biochemical attributes compared to ‘A-120’. Therefore, ‘Plahi’ is recommended for saline areas to improve chili production.

The impact of PEG-induced drought stress on seed germination and seedling growth of different bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes

“…The decreased growth traits under higher drought stress level can be explained with the lower moisture availability and subsequent lower transport of photosynthate from source to the sink. The differences among genotypes are owed to their inherent genetic makeup [41,42].…”

Enhancing the nutritional value of sweet bell pepper through moderate NaCl salinity

“…Sweet bell pepper is among the most important cultivated horticultural species globally, with production increasing from 17 to 36 million tons over the past 20 years and a corresponding expansion in cultivated areas by approximately 35 % [ 12 , 13 ]. Previous studies, such as Shaid et al (2018) and [ 14 ]; have identified pepper plants as sensitive to salinity, with a tolerance limit of up to 1.5–2 dS m −1 . Each additional electrical conductivity (EC) unit beyond this threshold led to a 14 % decrease in pepper biomass production, and prolonged exposure to high salinity levels resulted in plant death [ 15 ].…”

The Effect of Neutral Salt and Alkaline Stress with the Same Na+ Concentration on Root Growth of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Seedlings

“…As an energy store, proline in its free state plays an important role in stabilizing the structure of biological macromolecules, removing ammonia toxicity and regulating the redox potential of plants under salt stress [23]. Previous studies have shown that foliar spraying with proline can stimulate plant root growth and contribute to an improved dry/fresh weight, photosynthetic rate, and antioxidant enzyme activities in chili (Capsicum annum L.) under salt stress [24]. Soluble sugar is not only the material basis and energy of organic matter synthesis but also an important material in maintaining the osmotic balance of plants under abiotic stress conditions [18].…”