Research articleSalinity stress induced alterations in antioxidant metabolism and nitrogen assimilation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L) as influenced by potassium supplementation

- Added potassium significantly protected nitrogen metabolism from the ill effects of salinity stress.
- Antioxidant metabolism was up-regulated by supplementation of potassium ameliorating NaCl-induced oxidative damage.
- Potassium supplementation significantly declined Na/K ratio reflecting in improved growth and yield.

Experiments were conducted on two wheat (Triticum aestivum L) cultivars exposed to NaCl stress with and without potassium (K) supplementation. Salt stress induced using NaCl caused oxidative stress resulting into enhancement in lipid peroxidation and altered growth as well as yield. Added potassium led to significant improvement in growth having positive effects on the attributes including nitrogen and antioxidant metabolism. NaCl-induced stress triggered the antioxidant defence system nevertheless, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants increased in K fed plants. Enhancement in the accumulation of osmolytes comprising free proline, sugars and amino acids was observed at both the developmental stages with K supplementation associated with improvement of the relative water content and ultimately yield. Potassium significantly increased uptake and assimilation of nitrogen with concomitant reduction in the Na ions and consequently Na/K ratio. Optimal K can be used as a potential tool for alleviating NaCl stress in wheat to some extent.