In Vitro effect of exogenous NaCl on enzyme activity, chlorophyll and carotene accumulation in callus of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum.L.) explants

Abstract

The present research was conducted in tissue culture laboratory at Genetic Engineering Department, during the years 2015-2016, to study the effect of salinity stress at level of (6, 8 and 10 dSm-1) on enzymes activity of phenylalanine amonyalyse (PAL) peroxidase (POX), photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll and carotene in callus derived from shoots, roots, red and green fruits explants of chilli pepper Ampala hybrid. The results showed that, salinity stress induced changes in callus fresh and dry weight, activity of antioxidant enzymes, PAL and POX, total chlorophyll and carotene content.Mild and high salt level (8 and 10 dSm-1) reduced callus growth with concomitant increase in PAL activity and carotene as well. Moreover, a positive response for carotene accumulation in callus initiated from red fruit explants reached 55.29 µg.g-1 F.W at the level 10 dSm-1 as compared with chlorophyll pigment which record negative response at the same level for all explants.