The effects of selenium on some physiological traits and K, Na concentration of garlic ( Allium sativum L.) under NaCl stress

Selenium, which is an essential microelement for animals, positively affects growth and development of some plants by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzyme. The study was conducted in order to determine the effects of selenium (0, 4, 8 and 16 mg L −1 ) on salt stress (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl) subjected garlic plants grown in hydroponics. According to results, salinity reduced chlorophyll index and carotenoid contents. Se application 8 mg L −1 in 30 mM NaCl salinity and 4 mg L −1 in 60 mM NaCl salinity significantly improved chlorophyll index and carotenoid contents, RWC was increased by application of 16 mg L −1 Se under 90 mM NaCl, in garlic leaves. Also, with further increases in Se to the medium containing 30 mM NaCl, K concentration gradually increased in leaves. Analysis of Na content in leaves revealed that Na concentration increases with increasing salinity. Moreover, it is concluded that Se increase in K uptake and decrease in Na uptake under salt stress.