Pre-soaking wheat (Sakha 92) seeds in GA3 increased the germination potential especially at moderate salinization levels.
On the other hand, ABA did not increase the germination potential of the tested seeds at all salinization levels. Fresh and
dry matter yields of wheat seedlings decreased at high salinization levels and 90 mM NaCl represented the threshold of
salinity. Pre-soaking wheat seeds in GA3 caused marked increases in fresh and dry matter yields of the salinized seedlings.
While ABA treatment resulted in non-significant changes in dry matter production of stressed seedlings, the fresh matter
production at most salinization levels tended to increase. GA3 or ABA treatment generally increased the soluble
carbohydrates and total protein contents of salt stressed seedlings. The stimulatory effect of NaCl salinity on protein
synthesis was additionally enhanced as a result of GA3 at all salinization levels or due to ABA treatment especially at high
salt levels. The stimulatory effects of salt stress on the accumulation of free amino acids other than proline in the seedlings
increased, with the application of GA3, while the activated synthesis of proline was partially attenuated. Application of
GA3 was sufficient to attenuate partially the stimulatory effect of NaCl supply on proline biosynthesis, while ABA
treatment failed to play this role.