Effect of ash carbon nanofibers on GABA shunt pathway in germinating seeds of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., c.v. Rohaba.) under salt stress

Authors: NISREEN ALQURAAN, MOHAMMED AL-OMARI, ALAA AYOUB

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of black ash carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt pathway in germinating seeds of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., c.v. Rohaba) under salt stress. Seed?s germination pattern, seed moisture content, GABA shunt metabolite levels (GABA, Glutamate and Alanine), total proteins and total carbohydrates, and the level of oxidative damage in response to sodium chloride (NaCl) treatments were determined. A significant increase of moisture content in CNFs treated seeds associated with significant increases in germination percentage was found. Data also showed a significant increase in GABA shunt metabolites in treating seeds compared to control seeds under different concentrations of NaCl. The total protein and carbohydrate levels significantly increased with positive correlation in control and treated seeds as NaCl concentration increased. A significant increase in MDA level was found in both treated and control seeds under salt stress. However, treated seeds showed lower MDA accumulation compared to control seeds. Our results suggested that the elevation of GABA in CNFs treated seeds was to maintain metabolic stability under salt stress, while, in control seeds, GABA elevation was to mitigate the effect of salt stress. CNFs activated GABA shunt, which might be involved in reduction of MDA accumulation and alleviation of oxidative damage under salt stress. In conclusion, CNFs enhanced tomato seed germination during salt stress.

Keywords: Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), Lycopersicon esculentum, metabolism, tomato, seed germination, salt stress

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