This research was carried out as two separate field and pot studies during 2015 to 2017. The first study was performed in three sections. A two-year field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with eight treatments (eight chicory genotypes collected from different areas in Iran including ‘Ardestan’, ‘Hamadan’, ‘Shiraz’, ‘Mazandaran’, ‘Sanandaj’, ‘Kashan’, ‘Yazd’ and ‘Mashhad’) and three replications .In section A, nutritional qualities, chemical compositions and yield of chicory genotypes were evaluated. Chicory genotypes showed significant differences for their nutritional qualities, chemical compositions and yield, thus selection of superior genotypes for measured traits is possible for direct cultivation or breeding program. Given the high crude protein, ash and non-fibrous carbohydrate contents, nitrogen, potassium, copper and zinc and low neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, Yazd was superior among tested genotypes while, Sanandaj produced the highest forage yield. In section B, nutritional quality and chemical compositions of chicory under different growth stages were evaluated. The stage of growth had significant influence on nutritional quality and chemical compositions of chicory. Crude protein, ash and non-fibrous carbohydrate contents, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese were declined while ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were increased with advance in maturity. Based on mineral contents and quality, rosette and 10% flowering stages are recommended for grazing and hay production in chicory, respectively. The results suggested that chicory may be used as alternative forage to legumes and grasses, however, some form of commercial protein supplements may be required to chicory-based rations or chicory should be grazed at rosette stage. In section C, genotype differences of chicory in relation to physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics and yield were evaluated. Significant differences were observed between chicory genotypes in relation to physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics and yield. Based on physiological traits, proline content had the highest negative correlation with seed and biological (dry herbage) yields. Based on biochemical traits, specific activity of ascorbate peroxidase had the highest positive correlation with seed and biological yields. Based on morphological traits and yield, biological yield had the highest positive correlation with seed yield. Based on higher seed and biological yields which are the result of the optimal sum of all the measured characteristics, Sanandaj was more suitable genotype among tested genotypes. In the second study, the effect of salinity stress and foliar application of salicylic acid on some physiological, biochemical and morphological traits, sodium concentration, potassium concentration, potassium to sodium ratio, shoot and root dry weights of chicory genotypes were evaluated in the pot experiment. The experiment was a three-factor factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were three salinity levels of irrigation water (control, 65 and 130 mM NaCl), three levels of salicylic acid foliar application (0, 0.5 and 1mM), and seven chicory genotypes collected from different areas in Iran (Ardestan, Hamadan, Shiraz, Mazandaran, Sanandaj, Kashan and Yazd). Salinity led to significant decrease in relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, plant height, root length, potassium concentration, potassium to sodium ratio, shoot and root dry weights, and significant increase in prolin, malondialdehyde, specific activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase and sodium concentration. As well, the decrement or increment of the measured traits in salinity level of 130 mM was more than 65 mM. Foliar application of salicylic acid significantly ameliorated all measured traits and the greatest improvements were obtained in the highest concentration of salicylic acid. Among genotypes, Sanandaj had the highest relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase specific activities, potassium concentration, potassium to sodium ratio, shoot and root dry weights, and the lowest malondialdehyde and sodium concentrations while Ardestan had the lowest relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline, specific activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase, potassium concentration, potassium to sodium ratio, shoot and root dry weights and the highest malondialdehyde and sodium concentrations. Key Words: Chicory, Nutritional quality, Yield, Salinity stress, Salicylic acid