Physiological, biochemical and mineral dimensions of green bean genotypes depending on Zn priming and salinity

The effects of salinity and zinc (Zn) priming on the physical and mineral composition of green bean genotypes were investigated on two green bean genotypes ('Seker Fasulye and Local Genotype) by soaking seeds in 0.05% Zn (ZnSO4 center dot 7H(2)O) solution and by exposing to salt stress by applying 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl after first true leaf emergence. Plants not exposed to salt stress were treated as control. The effects of Zn priming on the salt tolerance of genotypes, fresh and dry weight of plant leaf relative water content (RWC), loss of turgidity (LOT), Na, K, Ca and Zn concentrations in the leaves, stem and root portions of plants were evaluated. The NaCl concentrations led to significant variations in the examined parameters. The highest concentration of salt (150 mM) caused fading in leaves and led to inhibition of growth and development. Salt application generally reduced the fresh and dry weights of plants of both genotypes where Zn priming showed an amendatory effect. Leaf RWC decreased with salt applications while LOT increased but Zn priming had no amendatory effect on these parameters. 'Seker Fasulye genotype was found to be relatively more salt tolerant than Local Genotype on the basis of the investigated parameters. Zinc priming decreased the Na and Ca concentrations in plant organs; however, a decrease in K concentration was observed due to increase in NaCl.