Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2
Scientific staff member, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardebil, Iran
3
Department of Plant Sciences and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, Meshginshahr, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
4
, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
5
Department of Biology, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
10.22034/saps.2025.69058.3401
Abstract
Introduction and Objective
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) holds significant economic and nutritional value. Identifying genotypes that are tolerant to salinity can be crucial for enhancing breeding programs aimed at achieving stable yields. This study focuses on examining the response of various sesame genotypes to different salinity levels to identify tolerant and sensitive genotypes.
Materials and Methods
Ten genotypes of sesame were cultivated under controlled conditions and in Hoagland nutrient medium. The experiment was conducted at three salinity levels, including 0 (control), 75 mM, and 150 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) at the four-leaf stage. Morphological traits, including seedling length and dry weight, were measured ten days after stress application, and biochemical traits and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activity were measured 96 hours after stress treatment.
Findings
The genotypes Sardari, Naztekshakheh, and Darab exhibited the highest levels of tolerance to salinity, whereas genotypes 25 and 26 were the most sensitive. As salinity intensity increased, the levels of biochemical traits and the PPO activity also rose, indicating their significant role in plant defense responses. The levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) showed a negative correlation with plant dry weight. Clustering analysis revealed that the tolerant genotypes possess a greater ability to activate defense mechanisms, thereby mitigating the negative effects of salinity.
Conclusion
The results showed that salt stress significantly hampers sesame growth and antioxidant activity, especially at 150 mM. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms behind sesame's tolerance to salinity stress.
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