Abstract

The study was conducted in one of the private nurseries in the Al-Haydariya district of Najaf Governorate. The seedlings of the apricot variety were equal in size and age. The study was implemented as a factorial experiment (3×3) using a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with two factors with three replications. The first factor represents the cultivated varieties (Zaghenia, Kaisy, and Labib). The second factor represents the salinity levels of the irrigation water (regular irrigation water 1.5, 2, and 4 mS m⁻¹). The results showed that the salinity levels of the irrigation water (1.5 mS m⁻¹) gave the highest increase in the chlorophyll content of the leaves. The concentration of 4 Ms. m⁻¹ was superior to other characteristics: tannins, flavonoids, and proline. The Labib apricot variety excelled in all studied characteristics (chlorophyll content, tannins, flavonoids, and protein). 
Objectives: To study the effect of salt stress on apricot seedlings and its impact on leaf chlorophyll content, as well as the concentration of secondary metabolites such as tannins and flavonoids, and to study the plant's response to external stress factors by encouraging the production of antioxidants such as proline. The main objective is to utilize stress-prone apricot trees, especially since apricot orchards in Iraq are susceptible to water stress, to serve as a source for producing secondary metabolites as natural sources for medicinal compounds.