Abstract
Salicylic acid (SA) a signal molecule which is responsible for inducing defense mechanisms in plants and also has a protective role in stress sensitivity. A study was conducted to determine the effect of water deficit stress on the growth of Lactuca sativa L. (Lettuce) using SA (1 mM and 3 mM) during reduced leaf water potential. Plants were subjected to 7 days drought after four weeks of growth. Stressed plants exhibited a lower leaf water potential (ψw) of -0.499 MPa as compared with the control (ψw of -0.460 MPa). Plants with lower leaf ψw exhibited reduction in almost all the parameters studied: 1 mM SA foliar treatment caused increase of 8 % in plant height and 53.16 % in plant biomass. Foliar treatment of 3 mM SA of the relative water content stimulated 13 % increase in the growth as compared to the control plant which was statistically significant at P<0.05. Overall, SA in stressed plant exhibited higher ameliorative capacity which has the beneficial role of mediating defense response in plants under stress.Keywords: Water stress, Salicylic acid, Growth, Lactuca sativa
Highlights
Water stress in plant is an abiotic stress that is fast becoming a very critical issue facing terrestrial ecosystem in many areas of the world
Water limitation significantly reduced entire growth of Lettuce that were subjected to water deficit
Plant biomass was significantly reduced by water stress which correspond to the low water potential induced by the 7 days water deficit (Figure 2)
Summary
Water stress in plant is an abiotic stress that is fast becoming a very critical issue facing terrestrial ecosystem in many areas of the world. Studies has reported the impact of salicylic acid to give a protective effect in plants under the action of different abiotic stress such as, heat, chilling, osmotic and salt stress (Singh and Usha, 2003; Borsani et al, 2001; Janda et al, 1997). Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) a member of the Asteraceae family (formally Compositae) is a selfpollinating annual plant cultivated for its edible rosette leaves and propagation is by seed (Wang et al, 2015; Judd et al, 2007). They are generally lactiferous herbs with height from 10 to 15 cm
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
