Indian Journal of Plant Physiology

The objective of the present investigation was to study the impact of NaCl salinity stress on seed germination, seedling physiology and plant antioxidant systems in senna in order to evaluate the relative significance of these antioxidant systems in imparting tolerance to NaCl treatment. The impact of salt stress on seed germination, root and shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, starch, proteins, osmolytes like proline, phenols and antioxidant enzymes like polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was investigated in senna (Cassia angustifolia) at germination stage (7 DAS). Sodium chloride (NaCl) treatment resulted in a significant enhancement of proline and polyphenols along with stimulation in the activity of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Seed germination, fresh and dry weight were decreased under increasing NaCl concentration.