Annual Research & Review in Biology

Aim: To determine the role of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the alleviation of salt stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
Design of the Study: Wheat plants were grown with or without 100 mM NaCl and were treated with 0, 50 or 100 nM H₂O₂ treatments.
Place and Duration of Study: The experimental work was carried out in the naturally illuminated green house at the Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India between November to December, 2012.
Methodology: Plants were sampled at 30 days after seed sowing to determine physiological, biochemical and growth parameters.
Results: Treatment of plants with H₂O₂ significantly influenced the parameters both under non saline and salt stress. The application of both 50 and 100 nM H₂O₂ reduced the severity of salt stress through the reduction in Na⁺ and Cl^- content; and the increase in proline content and N assimilation. This resulted in increased water relations, photosynthetic pigments and growth under salt stress. However, maximum alleviation of salt stress was noted with 100 nM H₂O₂ and 50 nM H₂O₂ proved less effective. Under non saline condition also application of H₂O₂ increased all the studied parameters.
Conclusion: The treatment of 100 nM H₂O₂ maximally benefitted the wheat plants under non saline condition and alleviated the effects of salt stress. The treatment of H₂O₂ increased proline content which might help increased photosynthetic pigments and growth under salt stress. The mechanism of proline metabolism by which H₂O₂ treatment may protect against salt stress will be investigated further.