The effects of salicylic acid (SA) in alleviating Ni-induced oxidative stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at germination stage were studied and the changes in radicle and plumule growth (fresh and dry weight and their lengths) were investigated. Exposure to 800mM Ni significantly decreased radicle and plumule growth, and activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes but increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). However, treatment with 100mM SA enhanced the activities of these enzymes in plumule tissues but lowered the concentration of MDA in the Ni-stressed wheat compared with the Ni treatment alone. Treatment with SA alleviated the Ni-induced inhibition of radicle and plumule growth. The results showed that treatment with SA enhanced the antioxidant defense activities in Ni-stressed wheat, thus alleviating Ni-induced oxidative damage and enhancing Ni tolerance.