The effect of chitosan on the expression of ZmPIP gene of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Under salinity stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chitosan on ZmPIP gene expression, growth parameters and physiological characteristics of rapeseed under salinity stress which was performed in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications. For this purpose, rapeseed seedlings was treated with different concentrations of salinity (0, 50, 100, 150 mM) and chitosan (0, 5, 10 mg/L). ZmPIP gene expression was evaluated using Real Time PCR, germination percentage and speed, length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, relative leaf water content, electrolyte leakage and sodium and potassium contents. In salinity stress, treatment with chitosan increased the expression of ZmPIP gene so that the highest gene expression was at 50 and 100 mM salinity with 5 mg / l chitosan. In treared plants with salinity increased percentage and germination rate, fresh and dry length and weight of root and shoot, relative leaf water content and potassium content especially at concentrations of 100 and 150 mM with chitosan compared to salinity at the same concentration and electrolyte leakage and relative water content and sodium content reduced. It is likely that chitosan has increased plant tolerance under salinity stress by maintaining the relative leaf water content, increasing potassium and growth of shoot and root and reduce the negative effects of stress on rapeseed and increase plant resistance