Alteration of starch- sucrose transition in germinating wheat seed under sodium chloride salinity

Alterations in starch-sucrose transition during germination were studied in wheat seeds under saline conditions. NaCI significantly reduced the speed of germination and resultant seedling growth, but delayed the degradation of seed storage components. The endogenous level of ABA increased while osmotic potential decreased. NaCI also inhibited the expression of α-amylase. Increasing the concentration of NaCI induced the expression of sucrose phosphate synthase, and sugars, including sucrose, were accumulated in the seedlings. This accumulation of sugar closely correlated with an increase in ABA. However, sugar accumulation was reversible when the salt stress was removed. Overall our results strongly suggest that the germinating wheat seeds alter the starch-to-sucrose conversion to adapt for salt stress. This is probably mediated by the increase in ABA.