The effects of NaCl stress on Jatropha cotyledon growth and nitrogen metabolism

The effects of treatment with 50 and 100 mM NaCl on cotyledon growth, nitrogen assimilation, and the activities of key nitrogen metabolism enzymes were investigated in developing Jatropha curcas cotyledons. Growth inhibition was observed, and relative water content in the developing cotyledons significantly decreased in the 100 mM NaCl treatment. Lower levels of NO3-, NO2-, and NH4+ in the cotyledons were recorded when they were supplied with 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Nitrate reductase activities decline by 9.5% to 31.8% with respect to the control groups. Salt treatment also led to a marked decrease in nitrite reductase activity compared with the controls. Glutamine synthase, glutamate synthetase and dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) were markedly induced by the addition of NaCl. These findings will be useful for elucidating the roles key enzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation pathway of J. curcas plant.