In Vitro Evaluation of Salt Stress on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Biochemical Parameters in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Salinity is an ever-increasing abiotic threat limiting crop produce. The effect of in vitro salt stress on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical parameters was studied in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) an important spice crop susceptible to salinity. Seeds of two commercial genotypes (Pusa Jwala and Sitara) were germinated on Murashige and Skoog’s basal medium supplemented with graded series of salt stress (0, 60, 80, 100 and 120 mM NaCl). The seed germination percentage, shoot length, root length and fresh weight showed a declining trend with increasing levels of salt stress. The root to shoot ratio reduced indicating that the root growth was more susceptible compared to shoot growth. Sitara maintained higher seedling vigor index, germination stress tolerance index, shoot and root length stress tolerance index as compared to Pusa Jwala. The chlorophyll content declined while there was increment in proline under salt stress. The significance of this study is in rapid screening of commercial chilli genotypes for salinity stress using in vitro techniques and selection of tolerant genotypes for cultivation in salt affected areas.