In this study, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and mineral compositions was used to compare pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars response to salt stress. Twentysix pepper cultivars were exposed to salt stress (100 mM NaCl) during two weeks. Thereafter, chlorophyll fluorescence components, stress tolerance index (STI), sodium, potassium and calcium content were measured. The results showed that a significant difference has been found among pepper cultivars for all studied characteristics. Reduced chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under salinity treatment were different between pepper cultivars. Fo/Fm, Fv/Fm was declined, with NaCl treatment in all cultivars. Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm, Φexc, ΦPSII, ETR, qp, K+, K+/Na+ and Ca++/Na+ were decreased but leaf Na+ content was increased by salinity stress. A significant correlation was found between salt stress tolerance index and fluorescence characteristics such as Fo/Fm, Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm, Fv/Fm diminishing, Φexc, ΦPSII, ETR, and qp. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between Na+, K+, K+/ Na+ and Ca++/Na+ with salt stress tolerance index. Overall, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters followed by Na+, K+, K+/Na+ and Ca++/Na+ could be useful tool to screen salt tolerance pepper cultivars.

 

Ca++/Na+, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, K+/Na+, Salinity, Stress Tolerance Index.

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia