Legumes, such as faba beans, represent an important source of protein for human and animal nutrition.They also provide excellent natural soil fertilization through the symbiotic fixation of atm. nitrogen.Growth and development of Vicia faba L. can be limited by salinity, the major abiotic stress that affects crop yield, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.Our study aims to demonstrate the long-term effect of the short-term salicylic acid seed treatment in two contrasting ecotypes of Vicia faba L. to mitigate the neg. effect of salt stress.Seed imbibition was applied with 0,25mM of SA at the early stage of germination, followed by100mM of NaCl until the flowering stage.Root length and some physiol. and biochem. parameters are measured.Salinity decreased root length, fresh and dry weight, and water content in roots of both faba bean ecotypes and increased non-enzymic antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonoids) and proline accumulation.Interestingly, Lower levels of growth parameters under salinity were observed in "Nasmot" ecotype compared to "Tamelahet" ecotype.The two ecotypes showed distinct responses to the exogenous SA Under salt conditions, the treatment enhanced the defense system of Nasmot by increasing proline content, polyphenols, and flavonoid concentration; it also increased FW, DW, and TWC.On the other hand, SA decreased all variables in Tamelahet, with the exception of increasing fresh and dry root weightOverall, salicylic acid can be recommended to develop tolerance in plants that show sensitivity to saline conditions.