Trigonelline in mature seeds and developing seedlings of Glycine max

Trigonelline (TRG) is known as a compatible solute in response to stress as well as a cell cycle regulator, and is more concentrated in legumes than other non-legume dicots. Four Glycine max L. genotypes (Essex, ExF 67, Forrest and Stressland) were used to examine TRG concentration in seeds and seedlings exposed to 30 or 100 mM NaCl, and to determine the association of TRG concentrations in seedlings with seedling growth. Seed germination across genotypes was inhibited by elevated salinity (71–91 %) in ExF 67 and Forrest and by accelerated aging (77–92 %) in Forrest. Length of seedlings in most genotypes stressed with NaCl apparently decreased. The TRG content in mature seeds of four genotypes was 44.4–74.6 μg g⁻¹(d.m.). TRG content significantly increased during early young seedling development, but remained or significantly reduced in some genotypes stressed with NaCl.