Abstract: The changes of physiological indexes were investigated in two halophytes, Limonium aureum (Linn.)Hill (Huanghua) and L. gmelinii (Willd.)Kuntze (Daye) treated with different NaCl concentration. The results showed that the germination of two L. sinuatum seeds was inhibited by NaCl in concentration-dependent manner. Compared to the control, there was decrease of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content in Huanghua and Daye seedling leaves after 50、150、300 mmol·L^-1 NaCl treatment, and increase in the amount of H₂O₂ and MDA. Soluble protein content was enhanced in two L. sinuatum leaves when exposed to lower NaCl concentration, but decreased to higher NaCl concentration. In addition, the inhibition of the seed germination and chlorophyll content induced by NaCl in Daye was stronger than in Huanghua, suggesting that the salt tolerance of Huanghua was higher than that of Daye.

Key words: NaCl, Limonium aureum (L.)Hill, L. gmelinii(W.)Kantze, soluble protein, MDA