Abstract
Seed germination, growth, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant enzyme defense were studied in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Samma) under different concentrations of (i) KCl0 mM + NO0 mM (control), (ii) KCl50 mM + NO0 mM, (iii) KCl100 mM + NO0 mM, (iv) KCl150 mM + NO0 mM, (v) KCl200 mM + NO0 mM, (vi) KCl250 mM + NO0 mM, (vii) KCl0 mM + NO0.5 mM, (viii) KCl50 mM + NO0.5 mM, (ix) KCl100 mm + NO0.5 mM, (x) KCl150 mm + NO0.5 mM, (xi) KCl200 mM + NO0.5 mM, (xii) Kcl(250) mm + NO0.5 mM. Application K (50 and 100 mM) with or without NO significantly enhanced seed germination, growth (shoot fresh weight (Shoot FW), Root FW, shoot dry weight (Shoot DW), Root DW and area leaf (1) (LA), and physiological and biochemical (Chlorophyll (Chl) a, b and Total Chl, content of proline (Pro), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and K/Na ratio (except Na) attributes of wheat plants. The higher concentration of K (150, 200, 250 mM) inhibited all these traits relative to the lower concentrations of K(50 and 100 mM) and controls. It appears from the results that application of NO enhanced the tolerance of plants to KCl-induced-salt stress by improving ions homeostasis and organic (Pro) and inorganic (K) osmoprotectants, and by reducing membrane damage. Also, application of NO with lower levels of K enhanced the performance of wheat plants as compared to the alone application of NO and K.