Naslov
Effect of salinity stress on watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai]

Autori
Bogić, Ivana

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Ocjenski radovi, diplomski rad

Fakultet
Science and technology of the environment and territory

Mjesto
Split, Isernia, Targoviste

Datum
18.03

Godina
2005

Stranica
55

Mentor
Pavela-Vrančić, Maja

Ključne riječi
watermelon ; salt sress ; superoxide dismutase

Sažetak
Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that limit plant growth and productivity. Salt stress in plants primarily causes ion imbalance and hyperosmotic stress and secondary, causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress generates reactive oxygen species that can seriously disrupt the metabolic system through oxidative damage of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Plants possess a number of biochemical mechanisms that help them to protect against the potentially cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Superoxide dismutase, a metalloenzyme, is an antioxidant enzyme, which is very useful superoxide radical scavenger that provides the first line of defence against oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine how salt stress effects superoxide dismutase activity in watermelons grafted on different rootstocks. In Croatia, the watermelon is one of the most important crops in the river Neretva valley where seawater protrudes into the delta and agricultural soil becomes salinated. An improvement in watermelon yield in salt conditions can be obtained by selecting the rootstock that is better adapted to salinity. In this study, four watermelon scion/rootstock combinations were examined ; self-grafted Fantasy and Fantasy grafted onto Strong Tosa, Emphasis and S1 rootstocks. Plants were exposed to salt stress by two-week-irrigation with saline solutions having EC values of 2, 4 and 6 dS m-1. The SOD activity was assayed by monitoring the inhibition of photochemical reduction of NBT by SOD. According to our data, superoxide dismutase activity in watermelons grafted onto different rootstocks, increases with increasing EC value of the saline solution. The response to salt stress depends on the rootstock genotype, indicating that there is a difference in saline ion accumulation in the scion. Still, more studies are necessary before it becomes possible to select the best rootstock adapted for growth under saline conditions.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija, Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA