The interaction of salinity and gibberellic acid on photosynthetic pigments contents and some antioxidant enzymes activities in two varieties of chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)

Chickpea is highly sensitive to salt stress. Several compounds are examined to minimize the harmful effects of salt stress. In this research the effect of gibberellic acid (10 and 20 µM) on physiological parameters in two cultivars of Iranian chickpea (Jam and Kaka) under salt stress (80mM NaCl) were studied. The results showed that chlorophylls and protein contents were decreased in plants treated with NaCl. However, the activity of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase increased and catalase activity decreased. In plants treated with GA and NaCl, chlorophylls and protein contents were accelerated and the activity of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were diminished and catalase activity increased. It is concluded that gibberellic acid could alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress in chickpea plants.