Study on expression of transcription factors WRKY and AP2Domain in oily sunflower under salt stress

Sunflower is one of the most important sources of plant oil in the world and in Iran. This plant is classified as semi-resistant to salt stress; however, its performance is negatively affected by salinity. Transcription factors are molecules that play an important role in the understanding and transmission of stress messages as well as many physiological processes. In this study, using Real Time PCR technology, transcript variations of two transcription factors WRKY and AP2Domain were examined in two oily sunflower lines; AS5305 (salt tolerant line) and 9CSA3 (salt susceptible line) at different salinity levels (2, 5, 8, 11, 14 ds/m). Sampling from leaves of plants was performed at 8-leaf stage in 6, 12, 24, 48 hours after applying stress. The results of statistical analysis showed that the gene expression pattern of studied transcription factors was different in sunflower lines. So that, the rate of expression of both studied transcription factors (WRKY and AP2Domain) was significantly more in tolerant line (AS5305) than susceptible one in sever salt stress level (14 ds/m) 24 hours after applying stress.