Comparative Effect of Salinity on Antioxidant Enzymes of Two Wheat Genotypes by Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid and Potassium

The aim of this work was to examine the ameliorative effect of foliar application of salicylic acid and potassium on antioxidant enzymes activity in wheat under saline conditions. Two wheat genotypes WL-711 (salt tolerant) and Kohistan-97 (salt sensitive) were used with salicylic acid (SA) and potassium (K+) foliar spray which were applied at both vegetative and grain filling stage under saline conditions. Various enzymatic antioxidant activities include catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was assesed. Result cleared that foliar spray of salicylic acid and potassium decreased the damaged effect of salinity in both wheat genotypes especially Kohistan-97 which was more salt sensitive. Overall, foliarly applied salicylic acid and potassium reduces the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes on cellular metabolism that was disturbed by salt stress.