EFFECTS OF SALT STRESS ON GROWTH, NODULATION AND NITROGEN FIXATION OF FABA BEAN (VICIA FABA L. MINOR) CULTIVATED IN ALGERIA

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 50 and 100 mM NaCl concentrations on growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation and accumulation of proline of four faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) cultivars growing symbiotically with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae. The response to salt stress depended on the cultivar and the level salt. Thus, 100mM NaCl caused a great reduction in growth parameters such as leaf area and dry weight of shoot and root, but the height of plant was less affected. Number, dry weight of nodules per plant and nitrogen fixation were reduced with increasing salinity for all cultivars. However, proline content was increased in leaves of all cultivars tested. Sidi Aich and Espresso were less affected by salt than the sensitive cultivars Castel and Maya. Our results suggests that the NaCl tolerance of the Sidi Aich and Espresso cultivars is supported by better growth, the less N2 fixation inhibition and a higher osmotic adjustment.