Accumulation of Proline in Germinating Cotton (Gossypium hisutum L.) Seeds During NaCl Stress

Abstract

The accumulation of proline (Pro) in plants during NaCl stress may have adaptive significance and the study of this response could reveal a genetic strategy for enhancing NaCl tolerance. Our objective was to determine if the Pro content of germinating cotton seeds is altered by exposure to exogenous NaCl. Seeds were imbibed for 24 h at 32°C before transfer to agar media containing NaCl. After 24 h of NaCl exposure, the Pro contents of radicles and cotyledons were measured using a colorimetric assay. Results showed that Pro contents of both radicles and cotyledons increased as the level of NaCl increased. The bulk of Pro content increases were restricted to the radicle and occurred in the range of NaC1 concentrations from 200 to 400 mM NaCl.