Salinity Effects on the Physiological Parameters and Oxidative Enzymatic Activities of Four Iranian Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) Cultivar

ABSTRACT: Soil salinity is one of the major stresses especially in arid and semi-arid regions and can limit vine growth and productivity however responses can be different based on genotypes. In this study, effects of different concentration (0, 40, 80 and 120 Mm) NaCl on photosynthetic rate, soluble sugars, proline content and CAT activity of four own-rooted vinifera cultivars (Askari, Yaghoti, Sarghola and Rasha) were analyzed. Photosynthesis rates reduced (P?0.05) by increasing salinity, the highest and lowest reduction in photosynthesis rate was observed in Yaghoti and Rasha cultivars, respectively. Soluble sugars and proline content as an osmoregulation increased markedly at the highest NaCl concentration. Yaghoti had the highest and Rasha showed lowest soluble sugars and proline content. By increasing salt levels from 0 to 120 mM, the activity of CAT in Rasha and Sarghola cultivars increased but, Askari and Yaghoti showed no response to different NaCl concentrations. In conclusion, the Rasha cultivar was more tolerant than other varieties in response to salinity.