Caracterização fisiológica de genótipos de soja submetidos ao estresse salino

Salinity, ever present in agricultural soils, affects plant productivity. However, there are species more tolerant than others, and the study of response mechanisms to salinity is necessary in order to elucidate which responses are correlated with tolerance to salinity. Thus, we aimed at physiologically characterizing two Glycine max L. genotypes concerning saline stress, and identify which variables are more correlated with tolerance to salinity. For this, plants of cultivars AS 3730 and M 8372 were submitted to three saline concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mM), having sampled 0, 8 and 16 days. We conducted analysis for growth, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant metabolism, photosynthesis beyond the content of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, proteins and proline. A results, cultivar M 8372 presented better growth, higher antioxidant enzyme activity and higher content of antioxidants such as ascorbate and carotenoids, when compared to cultivar AS 3730. In addition, cultivar M 8372 also presented lower levels of lipid peroxidation. However, cultivar AS 3730 obtained higher contents of proline, an osmoprotector and lower growth compromise when compared to its control. In conclusion, there is a differential response of the cultivars to salinity.