Purpose Our aim was to study the effects of perlite priming on the germination characteristics and salt tolerance of pepper seeds under salt stress.
Method We used the perlite to deal with two kinds of peppers (JXCC, Layan 12) seeds and set three NaCl concentration (0, 100, 200 mmol/L) simulation salinity stress to study the pepper seed germination under salt stress characteristic and the influence of salt resistance.
Results Under the perlite processing the seed germination index, seedling dry weight and fresh weight were higher than those of the corresponding control. Meanwhile, perlite trigger treatment could significantly promote the activities of three protective enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT) (P<0.05). The membrane lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) content of green pepper seedlings gradually reduced. The free proline, soluble protein and soluble sugar contents were higher than those of control.
Conclusion The above results showed that pearlite trigger could enhance the vitality of two kinds of green pepper seeds and enhance green pepper seedlings salt resistance.