Effect of NaCl Salinization on Germination of Glycine max (L.) Merr. Seeds in Supplement with or without External Proline or Cysteine

Abstract

In the present study, effect of NaCl salinization supplement with or without external proline or cysteine on germination, root growth and free proline accumulation were investigated in Glycine max seeds. Seeds were germinated
under control (NaCl free) and saline (25-100 mM NaCl) conditions supplement with or without proline (0.5 mM) or cysteine (0.5 mM). Tested concentrations of singly NaCl decreased seed germination with respect to control. The
minimum final germination percentages were recorded for singly NaCl, NaCl plus proline and NaCl plus cysteine at 100 mM as 66.7 %, 63.3 % and 60.0 %, respectively. Germination rates (velocity index) of G. max seeds were decreased with
increasing NaCl concentrations at all applications. While the highest rate was estimated at control as 45.9 %, the minimum rates were estimated for singly NaCl, NaCl plus proline and NaCl plus cysteine at 100 mM concentrations as
28.4 %, 28.3 % and 21.7 %, respectively. Free proline accumulation of cotyledons and roots of G. max seedling was increased by NaCl treatments in all tested concentration and combinations.