Effect of 24-epibrassinolide on biomass, growth and free proline concentration in Spirulina platensis (Cyanophyta) under NaCl stress

In this study, biomass, growth and free proline concentration were investigated in Spirulina platensis treated with different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM) and 24-epibrassinolide (24-epiBL) hormone (0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 μM) over 5 days. As a result of analysing the cultures under salinity stress, it was determined that biomass and growth rate decreased significantly, while proline concentration increased considerably under salinity stress. The increase in the concentration of proline suggests a role in response to NaCl stress. Among the cultures treated with different concentrations of 24-epiBL, maximum growth was determined at the cultures at 1.0 μM 24-epiBL. Algal growth was also greater at the 0.5 and 3.0 μM concentrations of 24-epiBL with respect to control cultures. With respect to control, 24-epiBL affected growth rate and biomass positively, but proline concentration did not change. Among the cultures supplied with different combinations of NaCl and 24-epiBL, growth rate increased in 150/0.5 and 150/3.0 mM/μM concentrations, but was maximal for the culture containing 150/1.0 mM/μM combination. The increase in algal growth suggests a role for 24-epiBL in partially alleviated to NaCl stress. These results suggest that 24-epiBL may have a protective role for S. platensis reducing the inhibitor effects of salinity stress.