Anatomical and physiological responses of four quinoa cultivars to salinity during early growth stages

FERNANDO E. PRADO; MIRNA B. HILAL; PATRICIA L. ALBORNOZ; MIRIAM G. GALLARDO; VERÓNICA E. RUIZ

Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Indian Society for Education and Environment

Año: 2017

0974-6846

Objectives: Salinity is one of the most important environmental stress factors that limits both seed germination andseedling develop. Seedling stage is the most susceptible stage of plants to salt stress. The aim of this work is to studythe effect of salt stress on anatomical and physiological features of cotyledons and roots of the seedlings of four quinoacultivars (Witulla, Wariponcho, Pasankalla and CICA). Methods/ Statistical Analysis: Seed germination and seedlinggrowth was carried out under 0 and 200 mM NaCl during 10 days. Root length and diameter, and root proton extrusionwere measured. Soluble sugars and proline concentrations were determined in both cotyledons and roots. Anatomicalattributes of cotyledons (adaxial and abaxial stomatal area and density, palisade and spongy cell layers, palisade celldensity) and roots (stele diameter and surface, metaxylem vessel diameter) were also analyzed. Findings: Salt stresscaused physiological and anatomical changes in cotyledons and roots. Sucrose, glucose and fructose concentrations weremore affected in cotyledons than in roots of salt-treated seedlings. Proline accumulation was more affected in roots. Salinestress affected differentially the anatomical attributes of quinoa cultivars. Application/Improvements: Quinoa seedlingswhen subjected to salt stress are able to develop a set of anatomical, physiological and biochemical adaptive mechanismswhich seem to occur at different combinations among quinoa cultivars, but giving similar abilities to cope with the excessof salt and survive under extreme conditions.