Effects of exogenous SA supplied with different approaches on growth, chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzymes of peanut growing on calcareous soil

Abstract

To assess the role of salicylic acid (SA) supplied with 5 approaches in alleviating chlorosis induced by iron (Fe) deficiency in peanut plants growing on calcareous soil, SA was supplied as soil incorporation, making slow-release particles, seed soaking, irrigation and foliar application. SA application, particularly, SA supplied by slow release particles, dramatically increased growth parameters, yield and quality of peanut, and increased Fe concentration in peanut grain. Meanwhile, SA application increased the H+-ATPase activity, reduced pH of soil, increased Fe3+-Chelate Reductase (FCR) activity in roots, and increased Fe concentration in roots. Furthermore, SA increased active Fe content and increased chlorophyll content. In addition, SA improved enzymes activities containing superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and protected Fe deficiency induced oxidative stress. Therefore, SA has a good effect on alleviating chlorosis induced by Fe deficiency on calcareous soil. However, in the 5 SA supplied approaches, foliar application and making slow release particles were more effective.