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This research was conducted in a greenhouse to evaluate the effects of exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) (1 mM) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (50 μM) on physiological performance of faba bean (Vicia faba) under different levels of NaCl salinity (0, 4, 8 and 12 dS/m). The experiment was arranged as factorial on the bases of randomized complete block design in three replications. Leaf Na content, root and leaf soluble sugars, antioxidant enzymes activities such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation increased, but K, K/Na and membrane stability index (MSI) decreased as a result of salt stress. However, foliar sprays of BAP and particularly SA reduced Na content and lipid peroxidation, while enhanced the K content, K/Na, soluble sugars, antioxidant enzymes activities and MSI under different levels of salinity. It was, therefore, concluded that exogenous application of these growth regulators (GR) can considerably improve salt tolerance and physiological performance of faba bean.

Stage of maturity at harvest is one of the most important factors that can influence the quality of seeds. This research was carried out in [2008][2009] to evaluate the development of physiological seed quality in three winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivars ('Modena' , 'Opera' and 'SLM 046 '). Seeds were harvested serially in 9-10 stages during their development and maturation. Maximum seed weight (mass maturity) was achieved at 48-54 days after flowering, when seed moisture content was 41-50%. However, maximum seed quality as measured by seed viability, germination percentage, germination rate and seedling dry weight was obtained 10 to 22 days after mass maturity. Thereafter, seed quality of all cultivars was started to decrease, due to ageing. Maximum germination rate of 'SLM 046 ' and maximum seedling dry weight of 'Opera' were significantly higher than those of other two cultivars. These variations in seed quality parameters were attributed to differences in genetic constitution among oilseed rape cultivars. It was concluded that high quality seeds of winter oilseed rape cultivars could be produced with 14-16% moisture content, which is suitable for direct and mechanical harvesting, threshing and storage without further drying.

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