Responses of Some Wild Eggplant and Tomato Species to Salt Stress

This study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 to determine the responses of wild genotypes of Solanum chmielewskii (Soch), Solanum neorickii (Sone), Solanum pimpinellifolium (Sopi), Solanum linnaeanum (Sola), and Solanum scabrum (Sosca), which are considered to have potential for various uses in agricultural production, under salt stress. In the experiment, the genotypes were grown under standard cultivation practices until reaching the five-leaf stage, after which three different salt stress treatments (0 mM, 50 mM, and 100 mM NaCl) were applied. Following the treatments, plant growth status, antioxidative enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and POX), and leaf nutrient contents were evaluated. The findings revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) among genotypes and salt stress treatments. Notable increases were observed in enzyme activities, while leaf mineral analyses indicated that Na levels were lower than expected in some genotypes, whereas K levels were higher. These results demonstrate that the examined wild Solanum genotypes exhibit distinct physiological and biochemical responses under salt stress and that they possess potential for utilization particularly in regions where salinity problems are prevalent. Based on the findings, the Sopi, Sone, and Soch genotypes were identified as tolerant, while the Soli genotype was determined to be sensitive.