The effect of root and foliar application of selenium on some physiological and biochemical responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress

In order to investigate the effects of foliar and root application of selenium (0 and 20 µM) on some physiological and biochemical parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Chamran under salt stress (0 and 100 mM NaCl), an experiment was conducted hydroponically based on  a completely randomized factorial design with three replications at Payame Noor university in 2017. Results showed the significant decreases in growth parameters, chlorophyll to carotenoids ratio, and chlorophylls and total protein contents while significant increases were recorded in malondialdehyde, proline, anthocyanin, and total phenol contents of plant shoots under salt stress. Under control condition, both forms of selenium application significantly decreased the root length while increasing the total phenol content. Moreover, significant increases in proline and carotenoids contents were found under foliar application of selenium in control plants. Under salinity stress, foliar application of selenium significantly increased the root length and shoot fresh weight and its application at both forms improved the other growth parameters of plants. Likewise, significant increases in protein and chlorophylls contents of plants by foliar application and soluble sugars and total phenols contents of plants by both forms of application of selenium were attained under salinity. Only foliar form of application of selenium could decrease the malondialdehyde content of plants under salinity stress. According to the findings, selenium application, especially through leaves, played a remarkable role in ameliorating the effects of salt stress in wheat.