Physiological and biochemical responses of Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) to salt stress conditions

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of salinity on responses of Mung bean plant which were measured by a range of physiological parameters: chlorophyll, proline and Nitrate reductase activity. Salt concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 150 mEq.L-1) were applied to Mung bean plant that grown in plastic pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat (2:1 v/v). As a result of analyzing the cultures under salinity stress, it was determined that the chlorophyll decreased significantly. At low salinity regimes, a slight decrease was noted in chlorophyll a and b, and total chlorophyll content, but under high salinity conditions a significant reduction in the content of these pigments was observed. The chlorophyll a: chlorophyll b ratio also varied significantly under salinity stress, while the proline concentration increased considerably under salinity restraint. Therefore, the stress induced by salt caused an accumulation of proline. Nitrate reductase activity (NRA) decreased progressively with increasing salinity. This activity was inhibited in both leaves and roots under salinity