Salt Toxicity Research Articles

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria alleviate salinity induced negative effects on growth, oil content and physiological status in Mentha arvensis

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation on three salt-tolerant, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) STR2 (Bacilluspumilus), STR8 (Halomonas desiderata) and STR36 (Exiguobacterium oxidotolerans), for their growth-promoting potential and efficacy in augmenting salt tolerance in Mentha arvensis, an essential oil-bearing crop and natural source of l-menthol, under varying levels of NaCl stress (0, 100, 300 and 500 mM) imposed through irrigating water. Increase in the levels of salt concentration led to a decrease in the growth, fresh weight, leaf–stem ratio, oil content and yield. However, the negative effects of salinity were observed to be convalesced in the PGPR inoculated plants. At salinity levels of 100 and 300 mM NaCl, H. desiderata inoculated plants recorded the highest herb yield, whereas at 500 mM NaCl, the plants inoculated with E. oxidotolerans yielded maximum herb. The oil content in non-inoculated, salt-stressed plants was observed to be 0.46, 0.42 and 0.35 % at 100, 300 and 500 mM NaCl, respectively, whereas the plants inoculated with H. desiderata recorded the oil content of 0.71 and 0.60 and 0.48 % at similar levels of NaCl stress, respectively. The halotolerant PGPR minimized the deleterious effects of salt toxicity producing at par or higher yields at lower and medium salinity levels (100, 300 mM NaCl) than the un-inoculated non-salt-stressed plants through improved foliar nutrient uptake and enhanced antioxidant machinery. Based on the results of the experiments reported herein, the use of salt-tolerant, plant-growth-promoting bacteria may provide an effective means of facilitating M. arvensis growth in salt-stressed environments.

Poplar calcineurin B‐like proteins PtCBL10A and PtCBL10B regulate shoot salt tolerance through interaction with PtSOS2 in the vacuolar membrane

The calcineurin B-like protein (CBL) family represents a unique group of calcium sensors in plants. In Arabidopsis, CBL10 functions as a shoot-specific regulator in salt tolerance. We have identified two CBL10 homologs, PtCBL10A and PtCBL10B, from the poplar (Populus trichocarpa) genome. While PtCBL10A was ubiquitously expressed at low levels, PtCBL10B was preferentially expressed in the green-aerial tissues of poplar. Both PtCBL10A and PtCBL10B were targeted to the tonoplast and expression of either one in the Arabidopsis cbl10 mutant could rescue its shoot salt-sensitive phenotype. Like PtSOS3, both PtCBL10s physically interacted with the salt-tolerance component PtSOS2. But in contrast to the SOS3-SOS2 complex at the plasma membrane, the PtCBL10-SOS2 interaction was primarily associated with vacuolar compartments. Furthermore, overexpression of either PtCBL10A or PtCBL10B conferred salt tolerance on transgenic poplar plants by maintaining ion homeostasis in shoot tissues under salinity stress. These results not only suggest a crucial role of PtCBL10s in shoot responses to salt toxicity in poplar, but also provide a molecular basis for genetic engineering of salt-tolerant tree species.

Collembolan response to red mud pollution in Western Hungary

Effects of red mud pollution on the community structure of Collembola were studied in soils from open grassland and forest habitats following the red mud disaster in Western Hungary. Nearby unpolluted control plots of each habitat types were selected for comparative purposes. Analyses revealed that soil became strongly alkaline and, even nine months after the disaster, pH exceeded a value of 9.0 in the polluted forests. Water soluble Na content found to be 50–160 times greater in the polluted area, and total content of metals (e.g. Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) also increased considerably. Nevertheless, owing to the high alkalinity and red mud's adsorption capacity, bioavailable forms of heavy metals were lower in comparison to the acid control soils. Collembola species richness was about the same in the polluted and control forests (31 and 32, respectively), but lower in the polluted meadows compared to the control plots (21 and 27, respectively). Total community abundance changed differently in the open habitat and in the forest. Its value dropped by 45% in the polluted meadows, while almost tripled in the polluted forests. Changes in the abundance of individual species involved both decrease/elimination of sensitive species (e.g. Isotomiella minor, Sminthurinus aureus) and displacement of species tolerant to pollution (e.g. Micranurida pygmaea) into higher abundance classes. Certain species (e.g. Folsomia manolachei, Sphaeridia pumilis), following the pollution, showed a reverse pattern of abundance in the two habitat types; increasing in the forest while decreasing in the meadow. This study has suggested that soil alkalinity and salt (Na) toxicity were presumably the two most important factors determining the structure of Collembola communities in the area affected by red mud pollution. Despite the high toxicity risk associated with this accident, no adverse effect has been observed in Collembola abundance. Nevertheless, as a consequence of soil re-acidification, re-mobilisation of fixed metals may occur in the long term, constituting to a potential risk to soil Collembola.

Manipulating vineyard nitrogen on a saline site: 1. Effect of nitrogen on growth, grape yield and nutrients ofVitis viniferaL. cv Shiraz

With increased prevalence of saline irrigation water applied to vines worldwide, the issue of appropriate nitrogen management is of concern. Different rates of nitrogen per vine as urea were applied to Shiraz vines on own roots over four seasons in a low-rainfall, saline growing environment. Application of nitrogen in the vineyard early in the season not only altered the vine nitrogen status but also increased some other elements in the petioles, notably chloride and sodium but also manganese and magnesium. In contrast, nitrogen application decreased petiole phosphorus. In comparison with the majority of nitrogen studies on non-saline sites, nitrogen-induced growth responses were restricted under the saline conditions in this study. While some changes in canopy density in response to nitrogen were observed, this did not affect light interception in the fruit zone. Yield responses were varied and could be related to the nutritional conditions under which bud development and flowering took place. This study demonstrated that current best practice guidelines, in terms of rate of nitrogen applied, for correcting a nitrogen deficiency on a non-saline site may not be appropriate for saline sites and that application of nitrogen can increase the potential for salt toxicity in vines.

Salt Poisoning as a Cause of Morbidity and Mortality in Neonatal Dairy Calves

Salt Poisoning as a Cause of Morbidity and Mortality in Neonatal Dairy Calves

Seed priming with chitosan improves the germination and growth performance of ajowan

Background: Chitosan is a polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin. It not only stimulates growth and increases the crop yields but also alleviates the harmful effect of abiotic stress on plant growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of chitosan on germination and growth of ajowan {Carum copticum) under salt stress. This study was conducted in a laboratory and greenhouse. Material and Methods: In the first experiment seed germination of ajowan monitored under seed pre-treated by soaking in chitosan solutions of 0, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5% for 3 h. In second experiment, seeds soaked in chitosan solutions (0 and 0.2%) and sown in pots at different salinity levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 dS/m). Results: Results indicated that all of chitosan concentrations increased germination percentage, germination rate, seedling vigour index, length and dry weight of hypocotyl and radicle compared to control although, 0.2% chitosan concentration was more effective than other treatments. Salinity caused a significant reduction in germination percentage, shoot length, root length, shoot and root dry weight and relative water content, while chitosan adjusted the salt toxicity. Conclusions: It is concluded that chitosan would be able to stimulate germination and growth of ajowan. It is also resulted that soaking ajowan seeds with chitosan, may alleviate the inhibitory effect of salt stress on the plant growth.

Sensitivity of Translation Initiation Factor eIF1 as a Molecular Target of Salt Toxicity to Sodic-Alkaline Stress in the Halophytic Grass Leymus chinensis

Eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) have been shown to be critical in the initiation of protein synthesis. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of a novel gene, LceIF1, from a potentially interesting forage grass, Leymus chinensis (Trin.). The expression results show that LceIF1 is expressed in most organisms under normal conditions, but the transcription patterns differ under sodic-saline and sodic-alkaline stresses. Sodic-saline stress induced a persistent decrease, and sodic-alkaline stress induced overexpression of LceIF1. Potassic-saline and alkaline stresses did not cause any changes in expression of eIF1. These results indicate that not only pH but also Na(+) concentration affects overtranscription of LceIF1. The eIF1 transgenic lines showed relatively high eIF1 expression, resulting in potentially higher stress resistance. Combined with eIF1 transcription in transgenic lines, LceIF1 as a molecular target of salt toxicity is believed to help enhance salt tolerance.

Mechanisms by Which Ambient Humidity May Affect Viruses in Aerosols

Many airborne viruses have been shown to be sensitive to ambient humidity, yet the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remain elusive. We review multiple hypotheses, including water activity, surface inactivation, and salt toxicity, that may account for the association between humidity and viability of viruses in aerosols. We assess the evidence and limitations for each hypothesis based on findings from virology, aerosol science, chemistry, and physics. In addition, we hypothesize that changes in pH within the aerosol that are induced by evaporation may trigger conformational changes of the surface glycoproteins of enveloped viruses and subsequently compromise their infectivity. This hypothesis may explain the differing responses of enveloped viruses to humidity. The precise mechanisms underlying the relationship remain largely unverified, and attaining a complete understanding of them will require an interdisciplinary approach.

Biliary Complications after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Review of Incidence and Risk Factors

Biliary complications (BCs) are a common source of morbidity after liver transplantation, leading to long-term and repeated therapies. The incidence of BCs currently ranges from 5% and 25%. Biliary strictures and leaks are the most common complications after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), occurring in 9%–12% and 5%–10% of cases, respectively. Hepatic artery complications are recognized as the major risk factor for BCs; however, other circumstances such as advanced donor age, prolonged cold and warm ischemia times, grafts from donors after cardiac death, occurrence of a previous bile leak, T-tube use, cytomegalovirus infection, or graft steatosis have also been reported to be potential risk factors. Use of various preservation solutions has not significantly improved the biliary complication rate after DDLT. Technical modifications in biliary reconstruction have been proposed to improve outcomes after DDLT; the use of a T-tube for biliary reconstruction continues to be controversial. Non anastomotic strictures (NAS) are recognized to be different from anastomotic strictures. Although they have been associated with ischemic or immunological mechanisms, bile salt toxicity has recently been recognized as a potential factor for NAS. Donation after cardiac death is a significant source of organs that has been associated with decreased graft survival due to the increased BCs.

Identification of Genetic Overlaps for Salt and Drought Tolerance Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers on an Advanced Backcross Population in Rice

ABSTRACTSalinity and drought are two of the major abiotic stresses that affect rice (Oryza sativa L.) production especially in Asia. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for salt tolerance (ST) at seedling stage and drought tolerance (DT) at reproductive stage were identified using 77 BC2F8 advanced backcross introgression lines (ILs) derived from a cross of Teqing × Binam in Teqing background. Ten ST QTL were identified governing days to seedlings survival (DSS), score on salt toxicity symptoms on leaves (SST), shoot K+ concentration (SKC), and shoot Na+ concentration (SNC) at seedling stage, and 23 QTL were identified under reproductive stage drought and irrigated conditions for panicle number per plant (PN), thousand grain weight (TGW), seed fertility (SF), plant height (PH), and grain yield per plant (GYP). Most QTL detected at reproductive stage showed obvious differential expression to drought stress. In addition, another eight QTL were detected by trait ratio of the stress to the irrigation; the alleles at all loci except QSf3 showed increasing trait values to be associated with Binam, indicating Binam alleles at these loci could improve DT under drought stress. Upon comparison of identified ST and DT QTL we found 14 QTL shared the same genome regions with similar gene actions, clearly suggesting that genetic overlap existed between the two abiotic stress tolerances. Pyramiding of favorable alleles from Binam into Teqing background should allow us to develop superior ILs with higher levels of ST and DT.

Alleviation of high salt toxicity-induced oxidative damage by salicylic acid pretreatment in two wheat cultivars

Role of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) in the antioxidative response to salt toxicity of two wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars (Gerek-79 and Bezostaya) was investigated. Hydroponic growth environment of 10-day wheat seedlings grown under normal conditions (22/20°C) was adjusted to 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 M of salt (NaCl), and then freshly prepared SA solutions (0.0, 0.01 and 0.1 mM) were once sprayed on leaves of the same seedlings. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) were determined in fresh leaves obtained from 15-day seedlings. Treatment with SA alone increased all the antioxidant activities in Gerek-79. However, the same treatments with SA decreased the activities of CAT and SOD in Bezostaya, while increased that of POX. Salt applications alone increased the activities of POX and SOD, while decreased that of CAT in Bezostaya. The same salt applications increased the POX activity, while decreased the activities of CAT and SOD in Gerek-79. In plants under saline conditions, except 0.75 M NaCl, treatments with SA increased the activities of CAT, POX and SOD in both the varieties compared with plants applied salt alone. In plants applied with 0.75 M NaCl, however, treatments with SA decreased CAT activity. Results showed that salt toxicity caused a derangement in the regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities by decreasing CAT activity especially in both the varieties, but treatments with SA could turn back the derangement in the antioxidative enzymes caused by salt toxicity. SA can involve in increasing salt tolerance by regulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes in wheat cultivars exposed to salt toxicity.

Morphological and cytosine DNA methylation changes induced by a combined effect of boron (B) and salt toxicity in Sorghum bicolor inbred line

Boron (B) toxicity is one of the abiotic stresses limiting plant growth in arid and semi arid regions globally. Although studies have been conducted on the combined effect of B and sodium chloride (NaCl) toxicity on overall plant growth revealing an antagonistic relationship, the morphology and epigenetic interactions have not fully been explained. Germinating seeds of an inbred line of Sorghum bicolor (YN267) were subjected to various concentrations of B (10, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mM) in a constant concentration of high NaCl (100 mM). Methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) was used in the assessment of changes in the methylation levels and patterns. Morphological results show that plants at the B concentration range of 10 to 200 mM were adversely affected by the combined stress application than at 300 and 400 mM. In addition, the cytosine methylation status at 300 mM showed an increased overall hypermethylation, while hypomethylation was induced at 400 mM. These results show that not only did the combined treatment induced cytosine DNA methylation changes which was reflected in the plant morphology, but the alleviating effects of the combination at toxic levels are suggested to be due to the epigenetic alterations and expression/repression of stress responsive genes. Keywords: Cytosine DNA methylation, Sorghum bicolor L, boron and sodium chloride toxicity, methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP)

Influence of Poultry Litter Biochar on Soil Properties and Plant Growth

Biochar created from poultry litter is a way to produce a value-added soil amendment that is lighter and less expensive to transport out of manure nutrient excess areas, but effects on soil properties are unknown. Two studies were conducted with a Sandy loam and a Silt loam. First, lettuce seeds were germinated across biochar incorporation rates from 0% to 100% biochar, and second, a greenhouse trial was conducted in which peppers were grown in soils with up to 5% biochar by weight. Elemental analysis was completed on the biochar, and soils were analyzed for bulk density, water-holding capacity, pH, cation exchange capacity, and extractable nutrients. Biochar increased lettuce germination by almost 50% in the Sandy loam at low rates but became toxic at rates greater than 2.5% in both soils probably due to salt toxicity. Water-holding capacity increased linearly with biochar additions. For example, adding 15% biochar nearly doubled the water-holding capacity of the Sandy loam from 15% to 27%. The biochar had a pH of 9.3, and additions increased the pH of both soils. Total phosphorus (P) in the biochar was 43 g kg−1, and although almost none of this was water soluble in the pure biochar, the Mehlich 1 P and Olsen P were greatly increased in biochar amended soils. Biochar consistently increased the cation exchange capacity only at high rates. Biochar made from poultry litter showed several benefits as a soil amendment, but application rates would be limited by soil test P and pH.

Toxicity of major cations and anions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO) to a macrophyte and an alga

In many freshwater systems around the world, the concentrations of major ions (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cl(-), HCO(3)(-), CO(3)(2-), and SO(4)(2-)) are exhibiting increasing trends, approaching the concentrations historically found mainly in estuaries. The objectives of the present study were to determine at what concentrations these salts are toxic to an aquatic plant and a green alga, to investigate two potential mechanisms of toxicity, and to determine the usefulness of conductivity as an indicator of salt toxicity. In a series of laboratory trials, Lemna minor and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were exposed to a range of concentrations of five different salts. Conductivity levels that caused 10 or 50% reductions in growth-related traits (EC10 and EC50, respectively) were determined, using conductivity of the test solutions as the independent variable. The EC10 values ranged from 0.44 to 2.67 mS/cm for P. subcapitata and from 1.3 to >19 mS/cm for L. minor. The EC50 values ranged from 1.7 to 5.8 mS/cm for P. subcapitata and from 4.2 to >27 mS/cm for L. minor. For both species the EC values varied dramatically among the salts. Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was most sensitive to KCl and NaCl, whereas L. minor was most sensitive to Na(2)SO(4). The mechanism of toxicity does not appear to be related to production of reactive oxygen species, nor to reduction in chlorophyll concentrations. Because toxicity was strongly influenced by salt composition, regulation and management of specific ions may be preferable to conductivity.

Rapid screening of aquatic toxicity of several metal-based nanoparticles using the MetPLATE™ bioassay

Current understanding of potential toxicity of engineered nanomaterials to aquatic microorganisms is limited for risk assessment and management. Here we evaluate if the MetPLATE™ test can be used as an effective and rapid screening tool to test for potential aquatic toxicity of various metal-based nanoparticles (NPs). The MetPLATE bioassay is a heavy metal sensitive test based on β-galactosidase activity in Escherichia coli. Five different types of metal-based NPs were screened for toxicity: (1) citrate coated nAg (Citrate-nanosilver), (2) polyvinylpyrrolidone coated nAg (PVP-nAg), (3) uncoated nZnO, (4) uncoated nTiO2 and (5) 1-Octadecylamine coated CdSe Quantum Dots (CdSe QDs); and compared with their corresponding ionic salt toxicity. Citrate-nAg was further fractionated into clean Citrate-nAg, unclean Citrate-nAg and permeate using a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system to eliminate residual ions and impurities from the stock Citrate-nAg suspension and also to differentiate between ionic- versus nano-specific toxicity. Our results showed that nAg, nZnO and CdSe QDs were less toxic than their corresponding ionic salts tested, while nano- or ionic form of TiO2 was not toxic as high as 2.5gL−1 to the MetPLATE™ bacteria. Although coating-dependent toxicity was noticeable between two types of Ag NPs evaluated, particle size and surface charge were not adequate to explain the observed toxicity; hence, the toxicity appeared to be material-specific. Overall, the toxicity followed the trend: CdCl2>AgNO3>PVP-nAg>unclean Citrate-nAg>clean Citrate-nAg>ZnSO4>nZnO>CdSe QDs>nTiO2/TiO2. These results indicate that an evaluation of β-galactosidase inhibition in MetPLATE™ E. coli can be an important consideration for rapid screening of metal-based NP toxicity, and should facilitate ecological risk assessment of these emerging contaminants.

Difference in Sodium Spatial Distribution in the Shoot of Two Canola Cultivars Under Saline Stress

Among different mechanisms of salt resistance, regulation of ion distribution among various tissues and intracellular compartmentation are of great importance. In this study, we investigated the effects of salt stress on growth, photosynthesis, and Na(+) accumulation and distribution in leaf apoplast and symplast of two canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars (NYY 1 and BZY 1). The results showed that the declines in shoot dry mass, leaf water potential and net photosynthetic rate of BZY 1 (salt sensitive) were higher than those of NYY 1 (salt resistant) in response to salt stress. Stomatal limitation to photosynthesis was mainly affected under moderate salinity, whereas the reduction in assimilation rate under severe salt stress was due to both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. We also found that more Na(+) was distributed to leaf veins in NYY 1 than in BZY 1; simultaneously, less Na(+) accumulated in the leaf blade in NYY 1 than in BZY 1. The percentage of Na(+) in the leaf symplast in NYY 1 was markedly lower than that in BZY 1. Also, Na(+) diffusion in leaves through apoplastic and symplastic pathways of BZY 1 was stronger than that in NYY 1, and the transpiration rate in BZY 1, especially at the leaf edges, decreased more than in NYY 1. Our results showed that NYY 1 accumulated less Na(+) in the shoot, especially in leaf blades, and confined Na(+) to the apoplast to avoid leaf salt toxicity, which could be one reason for the higher resistance of NYY 1 than BZY 1 plants to salt stress.

Bath Salts: A Newly Recognized Cause of Acute Kidney Injury

Bath salts are substance of abuse that are becoming more common and are difficult to recognize due to negative toxicology screening. Acute kidney injury due to bath salt use has not previously been described. We present the case of a previously healthy male who developed acute kidney injury and dialysis dependence after bath salt ingestion and insufflation. This was self-reported with negative toxicology screening. Clinical course was marked by severe hyperthermia, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, oliguria, and sepsis. We discuss signs and symptoms, differential diagnoses, potential mechanisms of injury, management, and review of the literature related to bath salt toxicity.

Bath Salts: The Ivory Wave of Trouble

Mephedrone and MDPV are both β-ketophenethylamine derivatives of cathinone, a compound isolated from the East African plant Catha edulis (khat, qat). Mephedrone is commonly referred to as plant food, MCAT, 4-MMC, meow meow, meph, and drone; MDPV is commonly called MTV, MDPK, Magic, and Super Coke. Both are structurally similar to amphetamines, with mephedrone sharing close similarities with methamphetamine and MDPV with ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA). Bath salts pose an increasing public health risk in the United States, with reports of toxicity and mortality increasing along with calls to poison centers throughout the United States. Packages labeled with innocuous monikers such as White Ice, Ivory Wave, Ocean Snow, Lunar Wave, and Vanilla Sky intentionally belie the dangerous substances within, which are by no means intended to replace legitimate bath products. The white or tan crystalline powder commonly is administered by nasal insufflation or oral ingestion; however, rectal suppository and less commonly, intramuscular or intravenous injection, are also reported.1,2 A movement to ban these substances is growing in the United States, following similar actions in Europe.3 Although successfully outlawed in some locales, this movement has not eliminated the public health hazards posed by mephedrone or MDPV. Emergency physicians (EP) should thus be knowledgeable in the epidemiology of bath salt abuse, the clinical toxidrome with which bath salt toxicity presents, and appropriate treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients presenting with bath salt toxicity.

Identification of salt-tolerant QTLs with strong genetic background effect using two sets of reciprocal introgression lines in rice

Effect of genetic background on detection of quantitative trait locus (QTL) governing salinity tolerance (ST) was studied using two sets of reciprocal introgression lines (ILs) derived from a cross between a moderately salinity tolerant japonica variety, Xiushui09 from China, and a drought tolerant but salinity susceptible indica breeding line, IR2061-520-6-9 from the Philippines. Salt toxicity symptoms (SST) on leaves, days to seedling survival (DSS), and sodium and potassium uptake by shoots were measured under salinity stress of 140mmol/L of NaCl. A total of 47 QTLs, including 26 main-effect QTLs (M-QTLs) and 21 epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs), were identified from the two sets of reciprocal ILs. Among the 26M-QTLs, only four (15.4%) were shared in the reciprocal backgrounds while no shared E-QTLs were detected, indicating that ST QTLs, especially E-QTLs, were very specific to the genetic background. Further, 78.6% of the M-QTLs for SST and DSS identified in the reciprocal ILs were also detected in the recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the same cross, which clearly brings out the background effect on ST QTL detection and its utilization in ST breeding. The detection of ILs with various levels of pyramiding of nonallelic M-QTL alleles for ST from Xiushui09 into IR2061-520-6-9 allowed us to further improve the ST in rice.

The Effects of water and salt stresses on germination in two bread wheat genotypes

This study was performed to evaluating the effect of osmotic stress at the water potential levels induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 and NaCl solutions at germination stage of bread wheat genotypes (Cascogne and saisonez) at laboratory, in Iran in 2011 as factorial experiment under complete randomized design with four replications. Daily and final germination as well as germination and seedling emergence rate, and seedling fresh and dry weight were measured in the study under controlled conditions. Seedling growth was reduced by both stresses. But NaCl usually caused less damage than PEG to durum wheat seedlings, suggesting that NaCl and PEG acted through different mechanisms. Results of analysis of variance showed significant difference of all factors on all traits mostly at 0.01 percentage level. Results showed those germination rate was delayed by both solutions in both varieties, with differences between genotypes among growth stages, given that Saisonez genotype showed a higher germination rate than Cascogne genotype in NaCl. NaCl had a lesser effect on genotypes in terms of germination rate and the final germination than did PEG. This conclusively proves that the adverse effect of PEG on germination and early seedling growth was due to the osmotic effect rather than the specific ion. This difference in cultivar’s behavior according to the growth conditions is discussed. It was concluded that inhibition in germination at equivalent water potential levels of NaCl and PEG was mainly due to an osmotic effect rather than did salt toxicity. Finally Saisonez genotype showed that resistance to both NaCl and PEG stress than Cascogne genotype. So Sisonez is tolerant that Cascogne genotype at germination stage.