Cellular investigation on the role of Osmotic Pressure in Limiting the Toxic Effects of Pesticides in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

Abstract

Soil salinity is considered a major limiting factor in plant development, given the importance of cereals as an essential nutritional material worldwide. The present study is interested in demonstrating the effects of the salt stress / herbicide interaction on the roots of a plant model: durum wheat (Triticum durum) of the WAHA variety.

The results obtained show that wheat is a plant sensitive to the action of NaCl. However, we have observed morphophysiological and metabolic disturbances in seeds subjected to saline stress in increasing doses, after germination.

The measurement of the enzymatic activity shows a stimulation of the Catalase activity (CAT) accompanied by a production of hydrogen peroxide at the origin of oxidative stress, this increase is proportional to the degree of stress induced. Also, this stress induced the release of electrolytes.

In parallel, we were interested in the toxicity of glyphosate. The penetration of the herbicide inside the plant has led to remarkable morpho-physiological and biochemical disturbances.

Regarding the NaCl / Glyphosate interaction, we note a clear improvement in the majority of the measured parameters, this can be considered as an antagonism effect between the two stresses allowing better root growth.