The Relationships between Salt Stress and Anthocyanin Content in Higher Plants

Abstract

The relationships between salt stress and anthocyanin content in the roots, hypocotyls and cotyledons of some higher plants (tomato and red cabbage) were investigated. Plants were exposed to various concentrations of NaCl at all of their developmental stages. The germinated seeds were selected and transferred to water culture chamber containing ¼ strength Hoagland's nutrient solution supplied with 0 (control) and 50, 100 mM NaCl. After 7 days the uniform seedlings were harvested for experimental analysis. Total chlorophyll, anthocyanin contents and peroxidase activities of the seedlings were examinated. The degradation of chlorophyll pigments were increased as a result of exposure to NaCl. In contrast, anthocyanin accumulation that is known as a hallmark of plant stress was stimulated by increasing concentrations of NaCl in various parts of the seedlings. Enhanced activity of peroxidase was also determined by increasing salinity. In conclusion, some physiological responses of NaCl stress in the seedlings of tomato and red cabbage were investigated in order to determine the mechanisms that is responsible for anthocyanin production under saline conditions.