Effects of betacyanin on salt tolerance in Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)

Swiss chard and spinach belong to the family Amaranthaceae. Swiss chard is rich in the pigment betacyanin, which has antioxidant properties. This study compared the salt tolerance of spinach and Swiss chard in terms of the suppression of Na penetration into the plants and the reduction of oxidative stress. The Na content of spinach increased in the roots and shoots with the increase in Na concentration of the treatment. The ability to inhibit Na penetration into the roots—examined on the basis of plasmalemma ATPase activity and glycine betaine content—was lower in spinach than in Swiss chard. However, Na treatment increased the plasmalemma ATPase activity and glycine