The effect of different concentrations of exogenous nitric oxide on several physiological and biochemical parameters in NaCl-stressed coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

In this study the influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, the donor of NO) was investigated on several physiological and biochemical parameters in Coriandrum sativum L. grown in saline and non-saline conditions. Fifteen-day-old coriander seedlings were treated with 50 and 100 mM NaCl and 50, 75, and 100 μM sodium nitroprusside during 3 months. Then, carotenoids, carbohydrate, and soluble protein contents and proline accumulation were measured. Results indicated that NaCl-induced ionic toxicity led to a decrease in carotenoids amount. Under NaCl salinity, carbohydrate content increased sharply as compared with control plants. The protein content of plants did not follow a determined pattern. Furthermore, results showed that NaCl-induced ionic toxicity led to a significant increase in proline accumulation. Application of 50 μM SNP could improve carotenoids content of coriander. The use of different concentrations of SNP showed various effects on carbohydrate content. Application of 50 µM of SNP significantly enhanced the total protein content and proline accumulation; application of 75 and 100 µM SNP had variable effects on all measured parameters. These results suggested that 50 μM of SNP is suitable for reducing damage associated with salt stress.