Effects of seed priming with growth regulator biolan on salt tolerance of Pisum sativum L.

Abstract

Growth regulator Biolan ("Agrobiotech", Kyiv) positively influenced physiological and biochemical responses of Pisum sativum L. (var. Alpha) in laboratory experiments, carried out in the presence of 0 (control), 2 and 4% NaCl. NaCl delayed the time-course of water uptake by germinating seeds, growth and emergence of an embryonic axes, inhibited germination activity, plants early growth (fresh and dry matter accumulation), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents. Na + , Ca 2+ and K + homeostasis under the 2% NaCl impact disturbed, Ca content and K/Na ratio dramatically decreased. Biolan applied for seeds priming in dilution 1:10 5 (6 h), promoted water uptake by seeds and germination, it increaced Chl a/b ratio in leaves either with or without NaCl. Seed priming with Biolan lead to partial restoring K/Na ratio and slight alleviation the total salt inhibitory effects; it seems to be a reliable approach to increase salt tolerance in a field conditions.