Effect of salicylic acid and ascorbic acid on tolerance of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) to salinity stress in the germination stage

Salinity is one of the most limiting factors in crop growth and hence many attempts have been undertaken to reduce this stress. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of the interaction of salicylic acid and ascorbic acid on salt stress in St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) using a completely randomized factorial design. Different concentration of salicylic acid (0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 mm), ascorbic acid (0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) and salt stress (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mM) were used. The results showed that pre-treatment of seed priming of salineexposed plants with ascorbic and salicylic acids significantly improved germination percent, germination rate, and germination average time, but had negative effects on these traits. According to the results of this study, It can be concluded that seed priming of St. John's wort either with salicylic or ascorbic acid improves germination traits and plant resistance to salinity.