In order to study effects of salinity and silicon application on root characteristics, growth, proline content, leaf and root ion accumulation of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), a greenhouse experiment was conducted at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Experiment was carried out in a split plot design in which levels of salinity (0, 120 and 240 mM) were allocated as main plots and silicon application of one mM sodium silicate and no application assigned as subplots with three replications. The results indicated that salinity caused a reduction in root growth (volume, area, diameter, total and main length and root dry weight), and shoot biomass accumulation. Both of root and leaf sodium content and leaf proline content increased with increasing salinity. Leaf and root K content decreased with increasing salinity. Application of silicon improved root area, root dry weight, and leaf and root K content in the presence of salinity. It is also caused a significant reduction in leaf Na content and consequently, improved K/Na ratio in leaves. Based on this result, Portulaca oleracea has the capacity to grow in salt stress conditions and could be considered as a medicinal and vegetable in harsh environments.

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