Effects of savory (Satureja Hortensis) of seed pre-treatment with salicylic acid and silicon nanoparticles under lead heavy metal stress

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of seed priming with salicylic acid and silicon nano-particles on germination, growth and physiological properties of savory seedling under lead contamination. Seeds were pre-treated with different concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) and silicon nano- particles (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15 mM ). Then, seeds were cultured on paper towel contaminated with 0, 2, 4 and 8 mg/l of lead. Results showed that the highest seed germination percentages (74.75 %), Weight index (1403, 5) and germination rate (87.7) were obtained in seed pretreated with salicylic acid. While the highest shoot dry weight (7, 25 mg), length index (865.7) as well as prolin content and peroxidase and catalase activities were recorded in seeds pretreated with nano-silicon particles. Results also indicated that increasing lead concentration decreased seed germination rate and percentage, shoot dry weight, weight and length indices, whereas increased prolin content and enzymes activity. It can be concluded that seed pre-treatment might optimized vegetative parameters by increasing prolin content and antioxidant enzymes activity.