EFFECTS OF CADMIUM - SALT INTERACTIONS ON GROWTH AND SOME GENES IN WHEAT

Due to the increase in human population and anthropogenic factors, agricultural lands have been affected by salinization and heavy metal pollution has increased. In this study, the effects of cadmium and salt interactions on Konya - 2002 and Dagdas - 94 varieties of Triticum aestivum L. seedlings were investigated. Catalase and glutathione reductase activities were determined as well as proline content and expression of TaMYB73, TaSRG and TaERF1 genes. Cd and salt applications caused an increase in catalase, glutathione reductase activities and free proline content in both cultivars. With Cd and salt applications, Dagdas - 94 variety was more resistant than Konya - 2002. TaMYB73 expression did not increase under either treatment. Dagdas exhibited the highest increase in gene expression. High NaCl and Cd concentrations caused an increase in ERF1 expression in Dagdas variety. Increased TaSRG expression in Dagdas under low NaCl concentrations has probably been associated with salt tolerance. Increased TaSRG expression with Cd administration in Konya probably corresponded to genes related to Cd resistance.