The response of 14 Hollyhock (Alcea rosea L.) varieties to salinity were evaluated in a field experiment over two growing seasons. Carotenoid, Chl a, Chl b, total Chl, proline and MDA content, CAT, APX and GPX activity and petal and seeds yields were determined in order to investigate the mechanism of salt tolerance exhibited by Hollyhock, and too identify salt tolerant varieties. Overall, the photosynthetic pigment content,petal and seed yields were reduced by salt stress. Whereas the proline and MDA content, and the CAT, APX and GPX activities increased as salt levels increased. However, the values of the measured traits were dependent upon the on the level of salt stress, the Varietie and the interaction between the two variables. Based upon the smallest reduction in petal yield, the Masouleh variety was shown to be the most salt tolerant, when grown under severe salt stress. However, based upon the smallest reduction in seed yield, Khorrmabad was the most tolerant variety to severe salt stress. These data suggest that the selection of more salt tolerant Hollyhock genotypes may be possible based upon the wide variation in tolerance to salinity exhibited by the varieties tested.
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