Evaluating the changes of phytochemical and morphological parameters of Peganum harmala L. under salinity stress

This study was performed to evaluate salinity stress on some physiological parameters in Peganum harmala L. For this purpose, the effect of NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2 and MgSO4 with three concentrations of 0, 200, 250 and 300 mM on Peganum in a randomized complete block design was performed with three replications. The results of this study showed that the amount of leaf area, fresh weight of shoot and dry weight of shoot decreased under treatment of all four salts. Relative water content increased significantly with NaCl 250mM (27%), Na2SO4 300mM (32%) and in three concentrations of MgSO4 increased significantly (20%, 19% and 16%). Phenol content increased under treatment with three concentrations of NaCl (13%, 18% and 23%) and Na2SO4 250 and 300mM increased 2%. Total alkaloid increased in treatment with all three salts from 4% to 49%. PAL activity increased under treatment with three concentrations of NaCl (91%, 74% and 48%) and with 200 and 250 mM Na2SO4 72% and 30% and 300mM MgCl2 20%. Chlorophyll a to b ratio increased in 300mM of the NaCl, Na2SO4 and MgSO4 salts 80%, 250% , 240%. Salinity stress increased total alkaloid, chlorophyll a to b ratio and total phenol content in Peganum harmala. In this way, it was able to tolarance the conditions of salinity stress.