Alleviation of Salinity Stress in Isabgol (Plantago ovata) by Hormonal Priming with Salicylic Acid

Salinity is one of the major environmental factors limiting plant productivity. To investigate the effects of salicylic acid on germination, germination rate, seed stamina index, shoot length, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight of Isabgol (plantago ovata) under salinity stress a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replicates was carried out at the laboratory of agriculture faculty of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran, from October 2011 to March 2011. The experimental treatments were a combination of five salinity levels (0, -2, -4, -6 and -8 bar NaCl) and three salicylic acid levels (0, 0.25 and 0.5 mM). The means of all traits decreased with increasing in salinity concentration but using salicylic acid lessened the effect of salinity on measured traits. The effect of highest level of salicylic acid on measured traits was more pronounced compared with the other two levels. Therefore application of salicylic acid for seed priming can be recommended due to improving germination characteristics of Isabgol under salinity stress condition.