Effect of nano-silicon particles application on salinitytolerance in early growth of some lentil genotypes

Twenty-five lentil {Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes were studied to evaluate the effects of theSi02 nano-particles on plants under salt stress. The experiment was a 3x25 factorial arrangement withthree levels of treatment solutions as (Tj) distilled water as control, (T2) 100 mM NaCl concentrationand (T3) 1 mM nano-silicon dioxide concentration plus 100 mM NaCl concentration, and 25 levelsof lentil genotypes. Results showed a significant reduction in germination percent and seedlinggrowth due to the salinity stress while significantly increased with silicon nano-particles application.The germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weighttraits showed significant differences among lentil genotypes in treatment solutions. Results indicatedthat adding Si02 nano-particles could improve germination and seedling early growth under salinitystress and the related traits were increased in all of lentil genotypes. Overall, application of Si02 nano-particles was beneficial in improving salinity tolerance in the lentil seedling and its applicationmay stimulate the differences defense mechanisms ofplants against salttoxicity.