Journal of Stress Physiology &
Biochemistry, Vol. 9 No. 1
2013, pp. 209-228 ISSN 1997-0838
Original Text Copyright (cc) 2013 by Zhani, Nina, Ahmad and Hannachi
ORIGINAL
ARTICLE
Data source : Google Scholar
QueryDate : 2016-12-24
Cites : 16
Evaluation of Salt Tolerance
(NaCl) in Tunisian Chili Pepper (Capsicum
frutescens L.) on Growth, Mineral Analysis and Solutes Synthesis
Zhani Kaouther1, Hermans
Nina2, Ahmad Rezwan2 and Hannachi Cherif1 1 University of Sousse, Department of Horticulture
and Landscape, Higher Institute of Agronomy. 4042 Chott Mariem, Tunisia 2 Natural Products and Food - Research and Analysis,
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
*E-Mail: kaoutherzheni@yahoo.fr
Received October 25, 2012
Every year, more and
more land becomes non-productive due to salinity which adversely
affects the productivity and quality of most crops that is why salinity
becomes a concern to be studied more to understand the mechanisms
included and select the tolerant genotypes. In this context, this
investigation was carried out to study the impact of NaCl on growth,
mineral analysis and solutes synthesis in five Tunisian chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) cultivars:
Tebourba (Tb), Somaa (Sm), Korba (Kb), Awald Haffouzz (Aw) and Souk
jedid (Sj). Thus, an experiment took place under greenhouse at Higher
Institute of Agronomy, Chott Meriem, Tunisia and stress was induced
during two months in water by NaCl (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g/l).
Results showed that increasing salinity stress, for all cultivars,
decreases the height and biomass (dry and fresh weight) of plant in
addition to the relative water content. Also, a decline in K+
and Ca2+ amounts in roots and K+/Na+
ratio was recorded. However, Na+ content in roots and the
biosynthesis of soluble sugars and soluble proteins in leaves
increased. Awlad Haffouzz and Korba cultivars succefully tolerated
highest salinity level by accumulating more K+, Ca2+
in roots and containing the highest concentrations of soluble sugars
and soluble protein in their leaves contrary to Souk jedid cultivar,
considered as the sensitive cultivar.
