Physiological and biochemical responses of two lentil varieties to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) aqueous extracts

- The chickpea aqueous extracts affected physiological and biochemical parameters in two lentil varieties seedling under hydroponic culture.
- The target varieties responded differently to the extracts of Cicer arietinum.
- The two lentil varieties showed a significant increase of the secondary metabolites production.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aerial part aqueous extracts of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) on some physiological and biochemical parameters in two lentil varieties (var. Siliana, var. Nsir) seedling grown hydroponically for 15 days, followed by 3 days in pure chickpea extracts. The chickpea aqueous extracts was evaluated at, respectively, 125 g/L and at 280 g/L on Siliana and Nsir lentil varieties, concentrations inducing 50% reduction of lentil germination. The aqueous extracts of chickpea exhibited a significant stimulatory effects on the electrolyte leakage in both varieties. Contrariwise, a gradual decrease in the amount of chlorophyll pigments (a and b) and an increase in the carotenoids level were recorded in their aerial parts. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline levels, and the respiration have been reduced in roots of variety Nsir. However, these levels have increased in aerial parts of the same variety. In siliana lentil variety, aqueous extracts of chickpea have caused a decrease in the amount of MDA in both seedling parts and, reduced roots respiration. However, they enhanced the respiration and the proline content in shoots. Furthermore, the two lentil varieties showed a significant increase of the secondary metabolites production, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins in roots and aerial parts.