Detection and Estimation of Endogenous Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid in Potato Genotypes Imposed with Defense Modulators Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

Jasmonic Acid (JA) and Salicylic Acid (SA) are pivotal signaling molecules involved in the complex network of plant defense mechanisms. Enhancing the levels of JA and SA through exogenous application or genetic manipulation has shown promising results in bolstering plant resistance to a wide range of diseases. This study investigates the effects of JA, SA and Compost Tea (CT) treatments on the endogenous JA and SA responses of four distinct potato genotypes-KH (Kufri Himalini, Solanum tuberosum), KJ (Kufri Jyothi, Solanum tuberosum), AC4 (Solanum sparsipillium) and AC6 (Solanum spegzinii). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was conducted to determine endogenous detectable levels of JA and SA defence phytohormones. The absorption spectra showed peak absorptions at 295 nm and 325 nm for JA (25 µg ml-1) and SA (10 µg ml-1) respectively. Retention times of JA and SA were determined to be RT-3.74 and RT-2.86 min respectively. The genotypes were subjected to various concentrations of JA and SA, and their respective impacts on endogenous JA and SA were measured. Genotype-specific responses were evident, with all genotypes displaying distinct sensitivities with respect to endogenous detectable JA in CT (KH-15.42 µg ml-1, KJ-133.67 µg ml-1, AC4-10.36 µg ml-1, AC6-7.92 µg ml-1), JA (KH-83.03 µg ml-1, KJ-184.14 µg ml-1, AC4-286.95 µg ml-1, AC6-9.2 µg ml-1) treatments while no detectable JA and SA was observed in Control, SA and JA+SA combined treatments. JA could enhance higher amount of detectable endogenous JA than CT treatment. The application of JA and SA enhancement could demonstrate success in various other crops rendering resistance against diseases in an eco-friendly approach.