Foliar Application Of Salicylic Acid Research Articles

Foliar application of salicylic acid improved the yield and quality of the essential oil from Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. under water deficit stress

Foliar application of salicylic acid improved the yield and quality of the essential oil from <i>Dracocephalum kotschyi</i> Boiss. under water deficit stress

Foliar application of salicylic acid and chitosan on the growth and quantity and quality of the essential oil from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)

Foliar application of salicylic acid and chitosan on the growth and quantity and quality of the essential oil from lemon balm (<i>Melissa officinalis</i> L.)

Ácido salicílico nas trocas gasosas e crescimento de mudas de Hymenaea courbaril L. sob alagamento

ABSTRACT Flooding is a stressful condition that causes damage to the photosynthetic apparatus, negatively affecting the growth of seedlings of fruit species, including Hymenaea courbaril L. Studies on physiological management, such as exogenous application of phytohormones, to alleviate abiotic stress have increased. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on H. courbaril seedlings subjected to flooding. The seedlings received foliar application of four concentrations of SA (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg L-1) and were subjected to two water regimes: a) control - non-flooded and irrigated daily and b) flooded - seedlings were placed in a plastic pool, keeping the water depth at ± 5.0 cm above the substrate level. After 35 days, we evaluated the gas exchange, initial growth, quality, and potential ecological resilience of the seedlings. All flooded seedlings survived, but had reduced photosynthesis, carboxylation of Rubisco efficiency, and water-use and stomatal conductance when they received 100-300 mg L-1 SA. The seedlings that received between 100 and 300 mg L-1 SA had greater growth, quality, and phenotypic plasticity. Foliar application of SA did not mitigated the effect of flooding on gas exchange but contributed to the growth of H. courbaril seedlings.

Foliar spray of salicylic acid and ascorbic acid ameliorates the biochemical compounds in hybrid chillies

Chillies (Capsicum annuum) are a spice crop with great medicinal value of its biochemical ingredients. Its high antioxidant value along with good nutritional properties. Foliar application of Salicylic Acid may stimulate various plant physiological parameter i.e., stomatal activity, ions uptake, seed germination, leave membrane response to electrolytes and growth rate. Salicylic Acid (SA) is known as a molecule that is participated in physiological processes in chillies, plant tolerance and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Ascorbic acid possesses antioxidant properties, has positive impact on flowering and expounds effective plant defense system against pesticide toxicity. Moreover, ascorbic acid is effective chemical to mitigate the destructive impacts of salt stress. All the treatments improved the yield, fruit length and fruit width as compared to control treatment. Although, various treatments, salicylic acid and ascorbic acid combination showed the maximum plant height (80.3 cm), shoot weight (161 g), root weight (47.1 g) and pericarp thickness (1.99 mm) in treatment T9 variety of V4. Results declared that foliar spray of plants growth regulators increased the carbohydrates, protein, fiber and ash content. Results declared that foliar spray of plants growth regulators increased the carbohydrates, protein, fiber and ash contents. Furthermore, Biochemical attributes and Enzymes like proline (19.1%), SOD (1.40ug-1Fw), POD (17.9 ug-1Fw g) and CAT (6.15ug-1Fw) were significantly improved in plants sprayed with salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (AA) at T9 treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of ascorbic acid and salicylic acid on the yield and biochemical traits of hybrid chillies. Generally, the highest values were obtained from T9 treatment application of SA and AA combination. Based on these findings, the SA and AA treatments may help alleviate the positive effect on the growth of Chillies.

Salicylic acid alleviates the effects of salt stress on the physiology, growth, and production of hydroponic okra

Application of salicylic acid can enable the use of brackish water in the hydroponic cultivation of okra in arid and semi-arid regions. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid in mitigating the impacts of salt stress on the physiology, growth, and production of “Canindé” okra cultivated in a hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using an NFT—Nutrient Film Technique hydroponic system. A completely randomized design was adopted in a split-plot scheme, with four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution—ECns (2.1, 3.6, 5.1, and 6.6 dS m−1) considered as plots and four concentrations of salicylic acid—SA (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM), considered as subplots, with four replications, each of which consisting of two plants. Foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.2 mM attenuated the harmful effects of salt stress on the physiology, growth, and production components of “Canindé” okra cultivated in a hydroponic system with ECns of up to 6.6 dS m−1. Plants cultivated with ECns of 6.6 dS m−1 and salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.2 mM obtained an increase of 11.13% (36.4 g per plant) in total production per plant compared to plants cultivated with the same ECns level and without application of salicylic acid. These results demonstrate that salicylic acid, when supplied by foliar application at adequate concentrations, can act as a signaling molecule and reduce the effects of salt stress on hydroponic okra.

Response of Different Levels of Salicylic Acid on Growth Characteristics, Chlorophyll Content, Yield Attributes and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) under Rainfed Condition

To study the response of different levels of salicylic acid on growth characteristics, chlorophyll intensity, yields attributes and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) under rainfed conditions. The field experiment was conducted at Department of Crop Physiology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India during kharif season in the year 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 Treatments replicated thrice and assigned in 30 plots. The treatment comprised as T1: Control, T2: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 50 ppm at 20 DAS, T3: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 50 ppm at 40 DAS, T4: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 50 ppm at 60 DAS, T5: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm at 20 DAS, T6: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm at 40 DAS, T7: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm at 60 DAS, T8: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 150 ppm at 20 DAS, T9: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 150 ppm at 40 DAS, T10: Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 150 ppm at 60 DAS. The results showed significant increments in Growth attributes, relative water content (%), chlorophyll intensity (SPAD meter value), yield and yield attributes viz., plant height (36.50 and 38.10 cm) at 70 DAS and maturity, number of leaves plant-1(8.66, 23.66 and 22.0) at 35, 70 DAS and maturity, number of branches plant-1 (3.9, 8.60 and 10.33) at 35, 70 DAS and maturity, dry weight of plant-1(2.76, 6.12 and 5.01 g) at 35, 70 DAS and maturity, dry weight of stem plant-1(2.76, 7.12 and 7.96 g) at 35, 70 DAS and maturity, total dry weight of plant (4.96, 13.24 and 21.97 g) at 35, 70 DAS and maturity, total leaf area plant-1 (211.33 and 384.87 cm-2) at pre and post flowering, Relative water content (51.50 and 43.43) at Pre and post flowering, Chlorophyll content (49.93 and 40.90) at pre and post flowering, Number of pods plant-1 (46.00) at maturity, Dry weight of pods plant-1 (8.99g) at maturity, seed yield plant-1 (6.66 g), 100-Seed weight (4.41 g), Harvesting index (30.30%), Grain Yield (10.35 q ha-1) with the foliar application of salicylic acid @ 150 ppm at 60 DAS while minimum in control. The addition of salicylic acid under rainfed conditions resulted in significant increments in growth parameters, chlorophyll intensity, yield and yield attributes of black gram in rainfed conditions. Thus, it may be concluded that the foliar application of salicylic acid @ 150 ppm was found to be optimum concentration in enhancing growth and yield of a black gram over rest of treatment under rainfed conditions.

Assimilate Partitioning and Photosynthetic Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Response to Salicylic Acid Application

Salicylic acid (SA), a signaling molecule is known to affect various physiological processes like growth and development, photosynthesis, absorption and translocation of assimilates etc. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of salicylic acid on assimilate partitioning and yield of rice. The experiment comprised of 14 treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Foliar application of SA @ 50, 100, 150 &amp; 200 µg ml-1 was done at boot leaf stage (BL), one week after boot leaf stage (1WABL) and at BL + 1WABL. Treatment of water spray and unsprayed (control) were also included. Findings reveal that application of 100 µg ml-1 SA at BL + 1WABL resulted in the highest grain yield, which was statistically similar to 150 µg ml-1 SA at BL + 1WABL. The higher productivity under respective treatments can be ascribed to higher crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and improvement in partitioning of dry matter from vegetative parts to grains due to improved vascularization. Also there was improvement in photosynthetic efficiency in terms of total chlorophyll content; carotenoid content and Hill reaction activity under SA treated plots. Thus, the productivity enhancement in rice can be achieved through 2 foliar sprays of salicylic acid @ 100 µg ml-1 each at boot leaf stage + one week after boot leaf stage.

Chemical composition of the essential oil of in vitro propagated Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha pulegium L. under methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid foliar application in field conditions

Chemical composition of the essential oil of <i>in vitro</i> propagated <i>Mentha x piperita</i> L. and <i>Mentha pulegium</i> L. under methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid foliar application in field conditions

Ameliorative role of salicylic acid in the growth, nutrient content, and antioxidative responses of salt-stressed lettuce

Plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses are regulated by salicylic acid (SA), a signaling molecule. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of foliar SA treatments (0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mM) in reducing salt stress in lettuce exposed to 100 mM NaCl. Salt-stressed plants given a foliar application of SA showed alleviation of the negative effects of salinity, resulting in higher growth performance (increases of 6%–198%). The positive impacts of SA were especially noticeable as an increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments, such as total chlorophyll (31–72%) and total carotenoids (49–141%). Application of SA also helped to reduce membrane damage, as seen by significantly lower levels of MDA (31–70%) in the leaves of salt-stressed lettuce plants. Moreover, the use of SA enhanced overall flavonoid and phenolic content, as well as nutrient absorption. SA treatment also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase, resulting in a considerable reduction in salt-induced oxidative damage. The most efficient SA application concentration was 0.50 mM. Overall, the use of SA as a foliar spray could be recommended as a long-term strategy for improving the defense systems of salt-stressed lettuce.

Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid Mitigates Saline Stress on Physiology, Production, and Post-Harvest Quality of Hydroponic Japanese Cucumber

Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic compound capable of inducing physiological and metabolic changes that enhance the tolerance of plants to saline stress associated with using a hydroponic system and enable the use of saline water in semi-arid regions. In this context, this assay aimed to evaluate the impact of the foliar application of SA on mitigating salt stress effects on Japanese cucumber cultivated in a hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in a protected ambient (greenhouse), using the Nutrient Film Technique—NFT hydroponic system. A completely randomized design was performed in a 4 × 4 split-plot scheme, with four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution—ECns (2.1, 3.6, 5.1, and 6.6 dS m−1)—considered as plots and four SA concentrations (0, 1.8, 3.6, and 5.4 mM), regarded as subplots, with four replicates and two plants per plot. An increase in the ECns negatively affected the physiology, production components, and post-harvest quality of cucumber. However, the application of SA to leaves at concentrations between 1.4 and 2.0 mM reduced the deleterious effects of saline stress and promoted an increase in the production of and improvement in the post-harvest quality of cucumber fruits.

Foliar salicylic acid application to mitigate the effect of water deficiency on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Water deficiency (WD) is one of the main factors that limit the growth and productivity of crops in the world. Salicylic acid (SA) is considered a plant hormone that has an important role in the plants’ growth, development, and tolerance to abiotic stress. There is a hypothesis that the application of SA could mitigate the impact of the physical stress in potato plants. From the imposition of WD the physiological and biochemical indexes, including the antioxidative defense system, were evaluated in potato plants treated with the foliar application of SA. The assay revealed that the moderate WD 45 kPa negatively affected the metabolic parameters in potato plants. Foliar application of SA presented positive effects in the mitigation of oxidative damage through the dismutation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting the protection of the cellular membrane structure. Furthermore, there was less accumulation of malondialdehyde and synthesis of bioactive compounds, which certainly increased the antioxidative capacity of the plants. In conclusion, the results indicate that the foliar application of SA can have a positive regulatory role in alleviate water deficiency stress in potato plants.

Exogenous Application of Salicylic Acid Improves Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Morus alba Saplings under Soil Water Deficit

Morus alba L. is a multipurpose and fast-growing tree species. However, its growth and productivity are susceptible to water stress. Therefore, a study was conducted to check the effectiveness of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) in improving the water stress tolerance of M. alba. A pot experiment was conducted and the morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of young M. alba saplings were assessed under control (CK, 90% of field capacity (FC)), moderate (MS, 60% of FC) and high soil water deficits (HS, 30% of FC), along with MS and HS + foliar application of SA 0.5 and 1.0 mM (MS + 0.5; HS + 0.5; MS + 1.0, and HS+1.0, respectively). Results demonstrated that the highest decrease in plant growth, leaf, stems and roots’ dry biomass, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid contents and leaf gas exchange parameters was observed under HS, whereas the lowest decrease was evidenced for HS + 1.0 mM SA. Electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde contents, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals significantly increased under HS, while the lowest increase was evidenced for HS + 1.0 mM SA. The highest increase in proline content, total soluble sugar, total phenolic content, soluble protein and superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase was also found under HS + 1.0 mM SA. Based on the results, it can be concluded that foliar application of SA can help improve the water deficit tolerance of Morus alba saplings, especially under high soil water deficit.

Effect of Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid and Potassium Silicate on Productivity and Physical Quality Characteristics of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Fruits

window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag("js", new Date()); gtag("config", "UA-72322659-1");

Mechanistic Insights on Salicylic Acid Mediated Enhancement of Photosystem II Function in Oregano Seedlings Subjected to Moderate Drought Stress.

Dramatic climate change has led to an increase in the intensity and frequency of drought episodes and, together with the high light conditions of the Mediterranean area, detrimentally influences crop production. Salicylic acid (SA) has been shown to supress phototoxicity, offering photosystem II (PSII) photoprotection. In the current study, we attempted to reveal the mechanism by which SA is improving PSII efficiency in oregano seedlings under moderate drought stress (MoDS). Foliar application of SA decreased chlorophyll content under normal growth conditions, but under MoDS increased chlorophyll content, compared to H2O-sprayed oregano seedlings. SA improved the PSII efficiency of oregano seedlings under normal growth conditions at high light (HL), and under MoDS, at both low light (LL) and HL. The mechanism by which, under normal growth conditions and HL, SA sprayed oregano seedlings compared to H2O-sprayed exhibited a more efficient PSII photochemistry, was the increased (17%) fraction of open PSII reaction centers (qp), and the increased (7%) efficiency of these open reaction centers (Fv'/Fm'), which resulted in an enhanced (24%) electron transport rate (ETR). SA application under MoDS, by modulating chlorophyll content, resulted in optimized antenna size and enhanced effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) under both LL (7%) and HL (25%), compared to non-SA-sprayed oregano seedlings. This increased effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) was due to the enhanced efficiency of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC), and the increased fraction of open PSII reaction centers (qp), which resulted in an increased electron transport rate (ETR) and a lower amount of singlet oxygen (1O2) production with less excess excitation energy (EXC).

Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid Enhances the Endogenous Antioxidant and Hormone Systems and Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Salt Stress on Growth and Yield of French Bean Plants

Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the strongest candidates to be used as a salinity moderator. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of SA (0.00, 0.75 and 1.50 mM) on growth, productivity, and some physiological and biochemical parameters of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) continuously exposed to three NaCl levels (0, 50 and 100 mM). NaCl treatment significantly reduced vegetative growth parameters (between 16–50%), membrane stability (10–15%), relative water content (25–31%), chlorophyll content (21–42%), macro- and micronutrient levels (13–52% and 4–49%, respectively), growth promoters (auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins; 11–28%), and yield of green pods (22–39%), while the phenolic compounds contents (35–55%), total antioxidant capacity (34–51%), proline (60–100%) and malondialdehyde (18–51%) contents, peroxidase activity (35–41%), Na+ (122–152%) and Cl− (170%) ions and abscisic acid (20–30%) contents were significantly increased compared to the non-salt-stressed controls. Foliar application of SA at 0.75 mM was able to overcome the adverse effects of NaCl stress to variable extent, which allowed for close to 90% of the yield of control plants to be reached. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that foliar spraying of SA helped to reduce the harmful effects of NaCl stress on French bean via regulation of some physiological and biochemical processes. This could be the basis of an effective and low-cost strategy to cope with salt stress.

Water Deficit Stress Mitigation by the Foliar Spraying of Salicylic Acid and Proline on the Volatile Oils and Growth Features of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.)

To achieve a product with a high quantity and quality of active substance in the main and valuable medicinal and aromatic plants like hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) under semiarid conditions requires the use of novel agronomic technics. The effects of the foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and proline were investigated on the hyssop growth and phytochemical traits at the field conditions during two experimental years. The experiment was performed as a factorial in a completely randomized block design (RCBD), in which irrigation treatment (optimum and reduced irrigation) and the foliar application (control, the foliar applications of SA and proline). The volatile oils from the aerial parts harvested at the flowering were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Results indicated that water deficit stress significantly affected some physiological and phytochemical characteristics of hyssop. In general, the amounts of proline and chlorophyll (a, b, and total), the volatile oil content, and the concentrations of the major constituents of the volatile oil improved under water deficit stress. The highest values of the volatile oil content and the concentrations of the major constituents of the volatile oil including β-pinene (24.59%), trans-pinocamphene (14.20%), cis-pinocamphene (65.57%), and myrtenol (6.95%) were obtained from the plants treated with deficit irrigation × foliar spraying of SA. In conclusion, the foliar-spraying of SA could decrease the harmful impacts of water deficit on the concentrations of the main compounds in the volatile oil, and it is recommended for the stability of the active substance yield of H. officinalis in a semiarid climate.

Effect of foliar application of salicylic acid and mycorrhiza on quantitative and qualitative traits of maize.

An experiment was performed to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis and foliar application of salicylic acid on quantitative and qualitative traits of maize during 2018 and 2019 in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Chalous Branch. Split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Experimental factors included mycorrhiza species of (G. mosseae), (G. geosporum) and (G. intraradices) at two levels (no consumption and consumption of mycorrhiza) and salicylic acid at two levels (no consumption and consumption of 1 mμ of salicylic acid). Results of interaction effects of mycorrhiza and salicylic acid on the measured traits revealed that the maximum 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen percentage and yield of maize grain protein were observed in G. mosseae treatment under foliar application of salicylic acid. Foliar application of salicylic acid increases the root length and provides the necessary conditions for increasing water and nutrient uptake alongwith increase in photosynthesis and thus allocates more photosynthetic substance for development of reproductive organs. Hence, it increases maize grain weight and accordingly grain yield. In general, the results revealed that mycorrhiza and foliar application of salicylic acid increase growth indicators, yield and yield components. It also improved the quality traits of the maize plant. Based on results, the interaction effect of G. mosseae treatment and foliar application of salicylic acid yielded better results than other treatments. Mycorrhiza increases the number of grain in the ear, the number of rows in the ear, increases the plant's ability to absorb phosphorus, and the increase of mycorrhiza along with salicylic acid shows the maximum grain yield in maize. Finally, it can be concluded that the use of mycorrhiza and salicylic acid can be effective in increasing grain in the plant.

Cultivo hidropônico de quiabeiro utilizando soluções nutritivas salinas sob aplicação de ácido salicílico

ABSTRACT The limited availability of low-salinity water for irrigation in the Northeastern semi-arid region has restricted food production, making it necessary to use strategies to reduce the effects of salt stress on plants. Among the alternatives, the foliar application of salicylic acid stands out. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid in mitigating salt stress on the gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and growth of ‘Canindé’ okra in a hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in Pombal - PB, using the Nutrient Film Technique - NFT hydroponic system. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a split-plot scheme, with four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1, 3.6, 5.1, and 6.6 dS m-1) as the plots and four concentrations of salicylic acid - SA (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM) as the subplots, with four replicates and two plants per plot. SA concentration of 3.6 mM was able to minimize the effect of nutrient solution salinity on chlorophyll a fluorescence and increase the synthesis of chlorophyll b in okra plants, 34 days after transplanting. Nutrient solution salinity above 2.1 dS m-1 negatively affected gas exchange, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, and growth and increased electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade of okra plants.

Mineral composition and production of guava under salt stress and salicylic acid.

The limitation in the quality of water sources for irrigation in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil is increasingly present, so it is necessary to use water with high concentrations of salts for agricultural production, which makes the use of elicitors essential to mitigate the harmful effects of salinity on plants. Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid on the mineral composition and production of guava plants under salt stress conditions in the post-grafting phase. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, in a randomized block design, in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.6 and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM), with three replicates. During the flowering stage of guava, N, P, and K contents accumulated in the leaves according to the following order of concentration: N > K > P. Foliar application of 1.2 mM of salicylic acid increases the leaf contents of N, P, and K in guava plants grown under irrigation with water of 0.6 dS m-1. Water salinity of 3.2 dS m-1 reduces the growth and production components of guava plants.

Ácido salicílico atenua os efeitos do estresse salino sobre a morfofisiologia do cajueiro anão precoce

ABSTRACT Brazil is one of the largest cashew producers in the world, and its Northeast region stands out. However, cashew growth and development are negatively affected by irrigation with brackish water in its production. In this context, strategies have been employed to alleviate salt stress effects on plants. Among the strategies, the exogenous application of elicitor substances, such as salicylic acid, has stood out. Given the above, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid as an attenuator of salt stress on the morphophysiology of early dwarf cashew. The study was carried out in a greenhouse, in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water - ECw (0.4, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 3.6 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid - SA (0, 1, 2, and 3 mM), with three replicates and one plant per plot. Irrigation with water of electrical conductivity above 0.4 dS m-1 negatively affected the leaf relative water content, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and growth of plants. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 1 mM attenuated the effects of salt stress on electrolyte leakage, relative water content, gas exchange, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and growth of early dwarf cashew irrigated using water with ECw of up to 3.6 dS m-1, at 210 days after transplanting.