Salicylic acid induced changes in some physiological parameters in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under salt stress

Abstract

Seed priming with hormones has been an efficient method for increasing seed vigor as well as seedling growth under Salinity conditions. The effect of seed presowing treatment with salicylic acid (1.5 mM and 3 mM) on growth and some physiological parameters under salt stress (NaCl 100 mM) in chickpea was studied. Results indicated that salinity caused a reduction in the germination percentages, chlorophyll (a+b) content and dry weight. Salinity also significantly increased the accumulation of proline and lipid peroxidation rates while salicylic acid treatment reduced lipid peroxidation content in chickpea. Results showed that exogenous of salicylic acid alleviated the toxic action induced by salinity. Salicylic acid increased dry weight, germination percentages, chlorophyll (a+b) content,while reduced accumulation of proline and lipid peroxidation rates with increasing antioxiant activity. These results demonstrate that salicylic acid is very effective in strengthening the tolerance of chickpea