Biochemical changes of Rosmarinus officinalis under salt stress

The effects of salinity on some growth and physiological parameters in rosemary were investigated. 2 month-old plants were subjected to three salt treatments (50, 100, and 150 mM) by adding NaCl to the pots.Plant growth parameters not affected by low concentrations of NaCl, but it decreased with higher concentrations. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased at all salinity levels. The Na+ content of leaves increased, whereas the K+ content decreased with the progressive increase in NaCl concentration. Salinity increased proline and malondealdehyde contents. Stress induced by NaCl caused an accumulation of proline, total phenolic and antioxidant in rosemary plant.