Programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis is a key process in plant growth and development which may be induced by various abiotic and biotic stress factors including salt stress. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling was treated with different concentrations of NaCl for certain times. Then we use histo-chemical and cyto-chemical methods order to study cell death morphology in root wheat. In our experiments using TUNEL reaction, Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis, features of PCD such as condensed chromatin, a condensed and marginal nucleus, fragmented DNA were observed. The results indicated that 500 mmol/L NaCl treatment induced apoptosis in root cells wheat. Root cells death may provide an adaptive advantage to plant to salt stress. It might be involved in plant tolerance against salt stress.
