Effects of seed priming with growth regulator biolan on salt tolerance of Pisum sativum L

Growth regulator Biolan (“Agrobiotech”, Kyiv) positively influenced physiological and biochemical responses of Pisum sativum L. (var. Alpha) in laboratory experiments, carried out in the presence of 0 (control), 2 and 4% NaCl. NaCl delayed the time-course of water uptake by germinating seeds, growth and emergence of an embryonic axes, inhibited germination activity, plants early growth (fresh and dry matter accumulation), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents. Na+, Ca2+ and K+ homeostasis under the 2% NaCl impact disturbed, Ca content and K/Na ratio dramatically decreased. Biolan applied for seeds priming in dilution 1:105 (6 h), promoted water uptake by seeds and germination, it increaced Chl a/b ratio in leaves either with or without NaCl. Seed priming with Biolan lead to partial restoring K/Na ratio and slight alleviation the total salt inhibitory effects; it seems to be a reliable approach to increase salt tolerance in a field conditions.