Effect of NaCl stress on peroxidation of membrane lipid and osmotic adjustment of muskmelon leaves

Two muskmelon cultivars (Huanghemi and Baishami) were treated with different concentrations of NaCl. The membrane permeability, MDA, activity of SOD, CAT, POD and the contents of proline, soluble sugar were determined on 5,10 and 15 days after treatment. Results showed that the membrane permeability and contents of MDA, proline, soluble sugar were increased in both cultivars with the increasing of NaCl concentration and prolonging of time. The activities of SOD, POD and CAT of muskmelon seedlings depended on NaCl concentration and treated duration. The damage of NaCl on membrane of Baishami cultivar was stronger than that of Huanghemi cultivar. Osmotic adjustment played an important role in salt tolerance.