Physiological and biochemical adaptation of Medicago sativa to salt stress.

This study aims to compare the physiological and biochemical behaviour of four varieties of Medicago sativa differing in origin: Tamacine (Algerian), Triade (Italian), Maxigrowth (American), and Zanandrea (Australian). These varieties were subjected to saline stress (100 mM L-1) for 45 days at the early flowering stage. The results show that salinity had a depressive effect on all four varieties, reducing both fresh and dry matter. A decrease of more than 15% in dry weight was observed in the Tamacine genotype, but this reduction was more pronounced in the Zanandrea genotype. A significant increase in proline and soluble sugars content was recorded in the leaves (p = 0.000) under saline stress. Tamacine appears to be the most resistant variety, demonstrating biochemical adaptation by accumulating more osmoprotectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]