Salt Stress Tolerance in Broad Bean (Vicia Faba L.) and the Interaction of NaCl and Phytohormones on the Root, Biochemical Characters in Greenhouse and in the Field

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the toxic effect of salt stress on the length of the main root axis, the density of root hairs and the content of proline and soluble sugars in the leaves of broad bean (Vicia faba L.var. Aguadulce) and the possibility of reducing it by using two growth hormones by soaking seeds (Kinetin 150 ppm and Gibberellin 100 ppm). This experimental work has been conducted in field and greenhouse. Three doses of NaCl (S0:0 ppm, S1:3000 ppm and S2:7000 ppm) were applied four times during the vegetative stage, the floral stage and at maturity. The obtained results show that the level of stress S2 affects the growth and photosynthesis in a significant way. Proline and soluble sugars accumulate to a higher extent in the leaves of plants exposed to salt stress (farming in greenhouse and field). The accumulation of these osmolytes represents an adaptation to salt stress. In other way, the application of hormones by soaking seeds on stressed plants induced an anti-salts stress action by stimulation of growth and photosynthesis.