Abstract

Salinity stress decreases the dry mass of shoot and root, the percentage of this decrease varied between the two plant organs. Roots seemed to be more salt sensitive than shoots. This was accompanied with a lower Na⁺ content in the shoots than roots. The organic cytosolutes (soluble carbohydrates, soluble proteins and proline) were much higher in shoots than roots. Treatment plants with CaCl₂ retarded the Na⁺ and proline contents considerably in both plant organs. The amount of inorganic cytosolutes (K⁺ and Ca⁺⁺) in general increased markedly. The amount of organic cyto-solutes (soluble carbohydrates, soluble proteins and proline) is also enhanced markedly which in turn could increase the water status and consequently the dry matter yield when compared with the only salinized plants. Cell wall degrading enzymes cellulase, polygalacturnase (PG) and polymethylglacturnase (PMG) is significantly increased as salinity increases in tested plants. CaCl₂ treatments induced a significant decrease in the activity of cellulase, PG, and PMG.

Key words: Broad bean, salinity, CaCl₂ , cell wall degrading enzymes.