In this study, four cultivars of basil (Ocimum basilcum) in four salinity stress levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and tow salicylic acid levels (0 and 0.5 mM) evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) base factorial design with three replicates in pots. Results showed significant differences within salinity treatments in all 4 cultivars studied. Highest values measured for traits in cultivars were observed in Shandabad Tabriz and Isfahan cultivars. Also lowest values measured for plant height, fresh and dry weight of stem, stem diameter and internod length were observed in Isfahan cultivar. But salinity effect on these cultivars increased along with severity, linearly. Leaf area was most affected and decreased to 239.16 cm2 (150 mM) from 784.15 cm2 in 50 mM. Salicylic acid was positively affected all traits except internodes length and root fresh weight/shoot fresh weight. Generally Sabzevar and Shiraz cultivars showed sensitivity to salinity stress, especially in higher levels. This study should help understand some morphological responses of four native cultivars of Ocimum basilcum to salinity stress in Iran.

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