Physiological and biochemical responses of BARI sunflower-2 (Helianthus annuus L.) to sodium chloride-induced salinity stress

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of BARI Sunflower-2 to NaCl-induced salinity stress (0–300 mM). Increasing salinity significantly reduced chlorophyll content, carotenoids, and relative water content, while water saturation deficit and water uptake capacity increased. However, compared to the control, the protein, proline and catalase content increased to 342.14%, 374.55%, and 272.30%, respectively, at 300 mM NaCl treatment. Proline accumulation and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity indicate adaptive biochemical responses under salt stress. There was also an increase in WSD (67.64%) and WUC (450.47%) at 300 mM NaCl than that of control plants due to increasing NaCl levels. The findings suggest that BARI Sunflower-2 exhibits moderate salinity tolerance through osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 14(1 & 2): 103-109, 2025 (June & December)