Differential osmotic adjustment to iso-osmotic NaCl and PEG stress in the in vitro cultures of Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L.

The influence of iso-osmotic (−0.7 MPa) NaCl and PEG stress on growth, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense mechanisms was investigated in the in vitro cultures of Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L. The decreased relative growth rate (RGR) and water content of PEG-stressed calli in comparison to NaCl was found to be correlated with differences observed in the energy expenditure for the maintenance of osmotic balance. Osmotic adjustment in the NaCl-stressed calli favored higher accumulation of saline ions and soluble sugars, whereas PEG-stressed calli confirmed increased levels of organic osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine and soluble sugars). Permeability of Na+ ions across the membrane revealed increased relative electrolytic leakage (REL) in NaCl-stressed calli, however non-penetrating and highly viscous solution of PEG amplified the peroxidation of membrane lipids. Increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase displayed efficient removal of toxic reactive oxygen species in comparison to ascorbate peroxidase in the calli exposed to iso-osmotic stress. These findings suggest that differential tolerance potential to iso-osmotic NaCl and PEG stress in terms of osmotic adjustment appears to be the prime defense mechanism of Sesuvium for its survival under iso-osmotic stress conditions at the expense of reduced growth and water content.