Abstract

Salinization of soil is recognized as one of the most pressing environmental challenges to resolve for the next century. The ability to respond to environmental stimuli is among the most fundamental processes that enable plants to survive. Penconazole (PEN), a triazole group of fungicide, which has both fungicidal and plant growth regulator properties, protects plants from several types of abiotic stresses. The purpose of this work is to assess the effect of sodium chloride (0, 50, 100, and 200mM) and PEN (15mg/L) on some biochemical responses of sesame. Results revealed that some growth parameters decreased under salinity however, compatible solutes, H2O2 and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, flavonoid content, and PPO enzyme activity increased. PEN application had a positive effect on growth parameters, proline and H2O2 contents, SOD, CAT and POX enzyme activities, but decreased MDA, carbohydrate, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, as well as PPO activity. According to our results, PEN changed physiological and biochemical parameters, and therefore, due to its low price and availability is suggested for reduction of the negative effects of salinity in sesame.

Keywords: Penconazole; Salt stress; Sesamum indicum L.; Tolerance