Effect of Salinity Stress on Total Amino Acids, Proline and Proteins in Salt Tolerant and Sensitive Varieties of Piegonpea (Cajnas cajan, L.)

Abstract

Salt stress is the buildup of dissolved salts in water or agricultural soil at high and unfavorable concentrations for plant growth. Salinity negatively affects seed germination, plant growth, and the quantity as well as quality of yield, especially economic crops. Plants have several processes that they use to resist salinity stress. The total amino acid content exhibited significant variations when exposed to different levels of salt which played significant role in the adaptation of the plant for salinity stress. Proline is the vital amino acid which rises during salt stress, and plays the role of protecting the integrity of the membrane and energy production. Bahar and IPA-203 appear to perform better than other varieties in saline environments because of higher proline levels. Proline acts as an osmo-protectant and plays significant role in osmotic balance, protection of sub-cellular structures, enzymes and in increasing cellular osmolarity that provide the turgor essential for cell development in stress environment. Protein content markedly increased in salt-tolerant variety Bahar and IPA-203 whereas minor reduction in its content was detected in salt-sensitive variety UPAS-120 and Paras.