Evaluation of salt tolerance (NaCl) in Tunisian chili pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L.) on growth, mineral analysis and solutes synthesis

Every year, more and more land becomes non-productive due to salinity which adversely affects the productivity and quality of most crops that is why salinity becomes a concern to be studied more to understand the mechanisms included and select the tolerant genotypes. In this context, this investigation was carried out to study the impact of NaCl on growth, mineral analysis and solutes synthesis in five Tunisian chili pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L.) cultivars: Tebourba (Tb), Somaa (Sm), Korba (Kb), Awald Haffouzz (Aw) and Souk jedid (Sj). Thus, an experiment took place under greenhouse at Higher Institute of Agronomy, Chott Meriem, Tunisia and stress was induced during two months in water by NaCl (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g/l). Results showed that increasing salinity stress, for all cultivars, decreases the height and biomass (dry and fresh weight) of plant in addition to the relative water content. Also, a decline in K + and Ca 2+ amounts in roots and K +/Na + ratio was recorded. However, Na + content in roots and the biosynthesis of soluble sugars and soluble proteins in leaves increased. Awlad Haffouzz and Korba cultivars succefully tolerated highest salinity level by accumulating more K +, Ca 2+ in roots and containing the highest concentrations of soluble sugars and soluble protein in their leaves contrary to Souk jedid cultivar, considered as the sensitive cultivar.