Effect of NaCl salinity on the rate of germination, seedling growth, and some metabolic changes in four plant species (umbelliferae)

Abstract

The effect was studied of different salinity levels (up to 280 mM NaCl) on the germination, seedling growth, dry matter, and some related metabolic parameters of anise  (Pimpinella anisum L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum  L.), and cumin (Cuminum cuminum L.). During germination, anise tolerated salinity up to 160 mM NaCl, coriander up to 200 mM NaCl, and caraway and cumin tolerated  salinity up to 240 mM NaCl. Seedling growth and dry matter production were decreased by NaCl greater than 80 mM NaCl in anise and coriander or greater than 120 mM  NaCl in caraway and cumin. The soluble protein in anise and coriander, and the soluble carbohydrates in caraway and cumin remained unchanged uner low and moderate levels of NaCl. However, with higher salinity levels, different effects were recorded. Salinity induced a marked progressive increase of proline and other amino acids in anise and coriander. In caraway and cumin the increases in proline were accompanied by losses in other amino acids. The respiration rate was uneffected in anise and coriander up to 80 mM NaCl, or up to 120 mM in caraway and cumin. Above these values it increased progessively with increased salinity.