Abstract: In order to improve the germination and growth ability of wheat in saline soil, the germination experiment of wheat seeds treated with betaine was carried out under different concentration of NaCl solution, and the effects of betaine on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat under salt stress were studied. The results showed that germination potential, vigor index, fresh and dry weight of seedlings and seedling height of wheat increased significantly treated with 0.05% and 0.10% betaine at 40 mmol/L and 80 mmol/L NaCl, Soaking seeds with 0.05% and 0.10% betaine could significantly increase the root length under 80 mmol/L NaCl, but soaking seeds with 0.05% betaine couldn’t significantly increase the root length under 40 mmol/L NaCl. Seed soaked with 0.05% and 0.10% betaine could improve the germination rate and germination index of wheat seeds, but there was no significant difference compared with the control. Seed soaked with 0.05% and 0.10% betaine could enhance the seedling growth of wheat by increasing seed vigor.

Key words: wheat, betaine, salt stress, germination