Exogenous Salicylic Acid Mitigates Adverse Effects of Salinity on some Photosynthesis-Related Parameters of Almond

Effects of salinity (0, 2, 6, and 8 dS m-1) on some photosynthetic parameters and morphological characteristics of 3 almond cultivars (‘Tuono’, ‘Shoukofeh’ and ‘Sahand’), with or without Salicylic Acid (SA) treatment (at 0, 1 and 2 mM), were studied in a factorial experiment using the completely randomized design with 3 replications, in a greenhouse experiment. Results revealed that while SA at 1 mM significantly improved morphological and photosynthetic properties of salinized plants, its relatively higher concentration (2 mM) impaired growth and photosynthetic attributes. Of the tested cultivars, Shokoufeh grafted on the GF677 rootstock showed higher salt tolerance than the others. This study provides convincing evidence with regard to the potential of SA in improving almond plant growth under salt stress; suitable concentrations of SA when added to saline situations helped the plants in osmotic adjustment for alleviating the harmful effects of salinity. Efficacy of SA may be tested under field conditions before recommending it as a practical tool to enhance almond plant performance in saline soils.