Investigation of the response to salinity and to oxidative stress of interspecific potato somatic hybrids grown in a greenhouse

Salinity is one of the major stresses threatening potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) by affecting their growth and yield. It leads to oxidative stress by the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for alteration of macromolecules. To improve the tolerance of potato to salt stress, we have used somatic hybridization to produce interspecific potato hybrids by protoplast fusion between the BF15 variety and the wild Solanum berthaultii species. These hybrids showed an improved tolerance to salt stress when cultivated in vitro. The present work aims to analyze the response of the hybrids to salt stress in greenhouse conditions. Thus, the development of plants and their antioxidant capacity in response to salt stress were followed. All hybrids showed better growth and stable chlorophyll content compared to those of the BF15 parent plant. Membrane lipid peroxidation, evaluated by measuring the malondialdehyde accumulation (MDA) in plant organs, showed low levels in the hybrids. Higher antioxidant enzyme activities were measured in the roots of the hybrids when compared to those of the BF15 parent. These hybrids also showed an improved control of Na+ accumulation and a stable K+/Na+ ratio. These results therefore confirm the better tolerance of these hybrids to salt stress when compared to their BF15 parent.