Amelioration of Adverse Effects of Salt Stress in Okra ( Hibiscus esculentus L.) By Foliar Application of Proline

摘要

The aim of this investigation was to improve salt tolerance abilities in okra (Hibiscus esculentusL.) by foliar application of proline. Salinity is a great threat to agriculture all over the world. Salinity is a majorabiotic stress that reduces metabolism, growth and productivity of many crops. However, foliarly appliedproline is considered to be fruitful solution in okra to reduce salt stress. In this regard, a potted experimentwas conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sargodha to investigate whetherfoliar application of proline could ameliorate the toxic effects of salinity on okra plants. Three levels of NaCl(0mmol, 40mmol, 80mmol) were applied to okra plants according to the saturation percentage of soil.Different levels of proline (0mM, 30mM and 60mM) were applied exogenously as foliar spray on okra toprotect the plants against salt stress. Data for different parameters such as plant height, shoot and root freshand dry weights, different ions accumulations, protein, amino acids, nitrate reductase, total sugar andchlorophyll contents of okra were collected. Applications of proline decreased the uptake of Na+ and increasedthe concentrations of potassium and chlorophyll contents. This showed that application of proline stabilizedthe physiology and induced the salt tolerance in okra plants.