Regulation of sodium accumulation, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant defense system by arginine to enhance salinity tolerance in lentil (Lens culinaris)

Arginine (Arg) is well-known as a pivotal amino acid due to its involvement in the synthesis and activation of essential amino acid derivatives, enzymes, hormones, and signaling molecules. This study investigated the impact of Arg (3.0 mM) on salt-stressed lentil (Lens culinaris cv. BARI Mashur-2) subjected to 120 mM and 150 mM NaCl. Seven-d-old plants were exposed to salt stress unaccompanied or accompanied by exogenous Arg for 48 h. The presence of excessive reactive oxygen species (H2O2 increased by 69 % and 84 % under 120 and 150 mM NaCl) led to oxidative injury, evidenced by membrane lipid peroxidation under salinity. Salinity reduced ascorbate (AsA) levels, harshly amplified glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels (by 266 % and 463 % under 120…