Vigor and alpha-amylase activity in common bean seeds under salt stress conditions

Seeds with high vigor have greater capacity for hydrolysis and mobilization of stored reserves, which results in the formation of vigorous seedlings, and this behavior is observed under abiotic stress conditions. This study proposes to investigate the relationship of the enzyme alpha-amylase in lots of common-bean seeds with contrasting vigor, when subjected to the absence and presence of salt stress, aiming to identify the relationship of this enzyme with the vigor of the seed lot under these conditions. Seven common-bean cultivars were used. Physiological quality was determined by germination, vigor index and seedling length. The mobilization of reserves was evaluated under absence and presence of salt stress simulated with a NaCl solution with a concentration of 50 mmol L-1. The analyzed variables regarding reserve mobilization were reserve reduction, reserve reduction rate, seedling dry weight, reserve mobilization rate, starch, starch reduction rate and alpha-amylase activity. Results showed that the stress condition negatively affected all the evaluated variables; however, the cultivars classified as having greater vigor showed better physiological performance under stress. Salt stress in common-bean seeds affects seedling performance and reduces alpha-amylase activity during germination, and high-vigor seed lots exhibited higher enzyme activity in the no-stress condition.