Description:
Cytogenetic response of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) and different NaCl concentrations (0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 M, molar) on root meristem cells of barley were analysed. Plants grown on media containing 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 M NaCl showed a significant decrease of mitotic index and higher number of chromosomal abnormalities as compared to those of control conditions. Also, the mitotic index approximately 50% decreased in EBR- treated samples and chromosomal abnormalities almost tipled those of control. EBR pretreatment in higher concentrations of salt (0.40 M NaCl) caused total inhibition of mitotic activity in root-tip cells. However, comparison of all concentrations of salt and control revealed to have a successful performance in ameliorating of the detrimental effects of salinity on chromosomal abnormalities.