Changes in seeds quality of soybean in response to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid under salt stress

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of different levels of salt stress (non-saline, 4, 7 and 10 dSm-1) and foliar application of hormones (foliar spray of water, 1 mM salicylic acid, 0.5 mM jasmonic acid and 1 mM salicylic acid + 0.5 mM jasmonic acid) on changes in soybean (Glycine max cv. M7) seed quality. Salinity increased the sodium content of soybean seeds, but reduced the calcium and potassium contents, seed weight, germination rate and seedling weight. However, salt treatment on plants did not change the germination percentage of seeds. Foliar application of salicylic acid decreased sodium content of soybean seeds, and increased calcium and potassium contents of seeds, seed weight, germination rate and seedling weight of soybean. Foliar application of jasmonic acid reduced sodium, potassium and calcium contents of seeds, seed weight and seedling weight, but did not affect germination percentage and rate. Plants treated with 1 mM salicylic acid + 0.5 mM jasmonic acid produced the largest seeds, however its effect on seed germination rate and seedling weight was similar to salicylic acid treatment. Based on the results, foliar application of salicylic acid individually or in combination with jasmonic acid could be a practical way improve seed quality of soybean by decreasing sodium content and increasing potassium and calcium content of seeds under salt stress.