Comparative effect of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate on the biomass and quantitative changes in starch, protein and total soluble sugar in pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.)

The nature of the soil is a very important factor in the growth and development of a crop. Crop plants suffer a decline in growth and yield, when exposed to the saline condition. Pea considers one of the main leguminous crops, due to its ability to produce significant quantities of protein, carbohydrates and nutrient-rich seeds. Plants were subjected to four salt treatments, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mmhos cm-1 of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate and the biomass and biochemical responses were measured. All growth attributes such as stem, root and leaf fresh and dry weight decrease with the increased salinities doses. Salt treatments were no significant effects on the biomass and quantitative changes in starch, protein and soluble sugar in seeds of pea. But it was noted that the starch contents were much reduced in 16 mmhos cm-1, the salinity level of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate as compared to control. The protein content and sugar content value were increased in a higher concentration of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, when compared to control in Pea, CV. Azad P-1. The proline content increased with salt stress up to 8 mmhos cm-1 in CV-Azad P-1. It was also observed that the high dose of sodium sulfate is declined biomass and quantitative changes in starch, than that of sodium chloride solution in pea seeds.