Seed Priming Enhances Salt Tolerance in Basil: Insights into Physiological and Biochemical Responses

Abstract

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting plant growth and productivity worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effects of seed priming on the physiological and biochemical responses of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) cultivated under saline conditions. Our findings indicate that hydropriming can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of NaCl on basil plant growth. In contrast, osmopriming and hormonal priming appeared to exacerbate salt-induced stress, leading to a reduction in biomass production. Hydroprimed plants showed lower Na+ accumulation in aerial parts, better potassium homeostasis, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicating enhanced membrane integrity under salinity. Interestingly, seed priming led to a decrease in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the aerial parts under non-stress conditions. However, under salt stress, hydroprimed plants exhibited a notable increase in polyphenols and flavonoids in both aerial parts and roots. These findings suggest that phenolic compounds may play a key role in the oxidative stress defense mechanisms of basil, potentially contributing to the improved performance of hydroprimed plants under saline conditions.