Influence of salicylic acid and silicon on seed development and quality of mung bean under salt stress

This research was conducted to evaluate seed development and quality of mung bean under salt stress with exogenous application of salicylic acid and silicon. Seeds were harvested at 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43 days after flowering. Increasing salinity and application of salicylic acid (SA) to mother plants resulted in earlier achievement of high seed quality. In most cases, maximum seed quality as measured by electrical conductivity of seed leachates, normal germination percentage, germination rate and seedling dry weight was obtained 2-11 days after mass maturity (end of seed filling phase). However, application of SA stimulated seed development under severe salt stress and consequently maximum germination rate and seedling dry weight were attained at about mass maturity. Maximum seed weight and quality were obtained from plants that sprayed with SA under both saline and non-saline conditions. Application of silicon and especially SA improved seed physiological quality (germination and vigour) under salt stress. This improvement in seed quality was associated with increasing K+ and decreasing Na+ accumulation in seeds. Therefore, foliar application of silicon and SA can improve seed quality of mung bean under saline conditions.