Variations in Four Genotypes of Lentil under NaCl-Salinity Stress

Four lentil cultivars, Eston (E), Rossa of Castelluccio (RC), Pantelleria (P) and Ustica (U) differing in salt sensitivity, were examined for osmolyte contents and activities of α-amylase, β-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in seed germination, in absence as well as in presence of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl. The inhibitory effects of NaCl differed, depending on the genotypes tested. In Castelluccio and Eston, cultivars with reduced germination percentage and lower relative water content, the increase in NaCl concentration resulted in the decrease in endogenous levels of proline, total soluble sugars and activities of the main enzymes involved in the germination process. In contrast, Pantelleria and Ustica seeds in response to salt stress accumulated higher proline and total soluble sugar concentrations which improved their water status and the enzyme activities involved in the germination process. Differential response of the different genotypes of lentil to salt stress may be governed by the accumulation of osmolytes in seeds.