The effect of foliar application of algae extract, beta-carotene and vitamin E on some biochemical parameters of pistachio seedlings under salinity stress

Prevalence of abiotic and biotic stresses in plants can threaten crop productions. Pistachio as a strategic crop plays an important role among Iran's export items. Today, increasing stresses, especially salinity stress, have many destructive effects. The use of growth stimulants, especially algae, can play an effective role in reducing the negative effects of such stresses. In this regard, this factorial study was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor includes six treatments: control (cont), beta-carotene 1 mM (A), vitamin E 1 mM (E), beta-carotene and vitamin E (AE), spirulina microalgae extract 0.5% (SP), The mixture of beta-carotene, vitamin E and spirulina (ALL) and the second factor includes two salinity levels: control (S1) and 10 dS/m (S2). The results showed that the effect of salinity on proline, protein, catalase and peroxidase was significant. Salinity stress significantly increased the peroxidase activity in all treatments except beta-carotene and vitamin E. Also, A and E treatments significantly increased the catalase activity. Comparing to control plants, Increase in proline content in all treatments was observed at zero salinity. A significant increase in proline was observed in beta-carotene treatment at high salinity and in other cases it was not significant, which can be considered as the best compound for foliar application of pistachio seedlings under salinity stress.