Growth and Biochemical Responses of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Genotypes Under Salt (NaCl) Stress Generated by Irrigation Water, and Changes in Soil pH and EC

The effect of salt stress (40, 80, 120, 160 mM, 4, 8, 12, 16 dS/m) created with irrigation water on germination seedling growth and biochemical content in fife grass pea genotypes consisting of five registered variety and two landraces was examined. The experiment was done in pots. The effect of salt stress (SS), genotype and their interactions were significant on the traits examined. Depending on the traits, negative effects began to occur in 80 or 120 mM SS, but the high detrimental effects of 160 mM on germination and growth was clearly recorded in all genotypes. This showed that 120 mM SS could be a critical level for grass pea in general. The variety Gap Mavisi was more tolerant to SS and this was associated with their stronger soot and root development Also shoot growth was more sensitive to SS than root growth in grass pea genotypes. Crude protein and ODAP content of shoots in the grass pea genotypes significantly increased in parallel with the SS and averaged the highest (31.86% and 8.26 mg g⁻¹, respectively) at 160 mM. In addition, as a result of soil analysis, it was determined that the applied salt doses were also effective on the pH and EC of the soil, and that the pH decreased in parallel with the SS, while the EC increased. In addition, as a result of soil analysis, it was determined that the applied salt doses were also effective on the pH and EC of the soil, and that the pH decreased in parallel with the SS, while the EC increased. It is thought that this changes in soil may affect the tolerance of grass pea genotypes to SS, therefore, integrating salinity studies with pH regulating agents may be produce more effective results agricultural aspects.