Micronutrient sprays as a tool to increase tolerance of faba bean and wheat plants to salinity

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out under greehouse conditions, to study the effect of foliar application with micronutrients to correct the nutrients imbalance caused by salt stress conditions. Levels of NaCl used were 0.0, 1000, 2000, and 5000 ppm for wheat, and 0.0 and 1000 ppm for faba bean. Results indicate that root dry weight and nutrient uptake of both plants were negatively affected by high NaCl concentrations. Faba bean plants were more sensitive to high levels of NaCl than wheat plants. Application of micronutrients showed positive effects on growth and nutrient uptake either before or after the salinization treatment. It might be concluded that foliar application of micronutrients could induce increases in tolerance to salinity.