Effect of kinetin on water relations, photosynthesis, respiration and chlorophyll and nucleic acid contents of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under salinity

Abstract

The effect of kinetin (10 g m-3) presowing seed soaking treatment on water relations, chlorophyll (Chl) and nucleic acid contents, and photosynthetic and respiration rates in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a greenhouse under three salinity levels (i.e. 0,6 and 9 dS m-1 ECe) was studied. Relative water content and osmotic potential showed a progressive decline with increase in the salinity but there was an increase in chlorophyll (a+b) content in the leaves. Salinity decreased RNA content and net photosynthetic and respiration rates. Seed soaking either in water or kinetin enhanced the relative water content of leaves but reduced osmotic potential under both saline and non-saline conditions.