Induction of resistance to salinity stress in the produced seeds of wheat after foliar application of nano-zinc oxide and nano- iron oxide

In order to study the effect of foliar application of nano-zinc oxide (N-ZnO) and Nano Iron Oxide (N-FeO) on germination traits of produced seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salinity stress a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with four replications. Experimental treatments were Foliar application (control, N-ZnO 750 mg/L, N-ZnO 1500 mg/L, N-FeO 750 mg/L, N-FeO 1500 mg/L, N-ZnO 750 mg/L+ N-FeO 750 mg/L, N-ZnO 750 mg/L+ N-FeO 1500 mg/L, N-FeO 750 mg/L+ N-ZnO 1500 mg/L and N-ZnO 1500 mg/L+ N-FeO 1500 mg/L) and three levels of salinity stress (0, 75, 150 mM NaCl). Based on the results the highest level of salinity stress resulted in lowest emergence rate, seedling emergence and seedling growth parameters of wheat. The highest concentration of soluble sugar and proline in wheat seedlings observed in salinity level of 150 mM NaCl, whereas as results of highest salinity stress protein content, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b decreased. In general, simultaneous application of N-ZnO 1500 ppm+ N-FeO 1500 ppm significantly alleviated the negative effects of salinity stress on all of the studied traits, except seedling emergence, vigor index and protein content.