Effect of soil salinity on growth parameters and antioxidant activity in two genotypes of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

In many tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean countries, eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a traditional vegetable crop. Its yield loss is caused by abiotic stress such as soil and water salinity. The main aim of this study was to investigate the salt tolerance potential of selected genotypes at the early stage (germination and seedling) of plant growth. To identify the stable source, 30 accessions of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) were screened. Two genotypes [IC354140 (GT25); IC 354562 (GT26)] had the highest seed germination (90-100%) among the 30 genotypes studied. As a result, these two eggplant genotypes were chosen for further research. GT25 and GT26 seedlings were treated with various salt concentrations when they were 30 days old (0, 25mM, 50mM, 75mM, 100mM, 125mM, 150mM). The data of the present study revealed that germination percentage reduced significantly (35%) in GT26 compared to GT25 with increasing levels of salinity (EC, pH). Eggplant seedling length, dry and fresh weight of radicle and hypocotyls, the number of leaves decreased with increasing soil pH and increasing soil EC (P < 0.001). With increasing salt, the overall chlorophyll and flavonoid contents gradually dropped. SOD and POD antioxidant were increased with salt stress. The stability of the Eggplant (biomass production) and the quality of the leaves are both affected by soil salinity (antioxidant compounds).