BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a novel signaling molecule involved in the growth and development of plants and their response to stress. However, the involvement of H(2)S in promoting the growth and development of tobacco plants is still unclear. RESULTS: In this study, we explored the effect of pre-soaking or irrigating the roots of tobacco plants with 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0mM of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on endogenous H(2)S production, antioxidant enzymatic and cysteine desulfhydrase activities, seed germination, agronomic traits, photosynthetic pigments contents, and root vig...