Effect of salt stress on the growth and photosynthetic pigments of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)

The effect of salt stress on some physiological parameters in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) was studied under controlled conditions. The plants were treated with the solutions of 50 mM NaCl, 50 mM Na2So4, 100 mM NaCl and 100 mM Na2So4, starting at the appearance of first trifoliate leaf unfolded. Ground water was used for irrigation as the control. It was established that the applied doses of both salt types caused stress on the young pigeon pea plants, which found expression in the suppression of growth, photosynthetic pigment. The amount of proline in the tissues of the salt-treated plants was increased.