Spray Of Salicylic Acid Research Articles

Coriander Seed Quality and Vigour Assessment as Affected by Bioregulators and Varied Irrigation Regimes Based on Climatological Approach

The evaluation of seed quality parameters in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) under different irrigation regimes based on climatological approach and varied compositions of stress mitigating chemicals was carried out in the Laboratory of Seed Technology Research Unit, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, JNKVV Jabalpur (M.P.). The investigation consisted of four Irrigation regimes ie IW/CPE 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 and stress mitigating chemicals (Salicylic acid, thiourea and KNO3) with different concentrations. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replicates during Rabi season (2020-21 and 2021-22). Marked influence of applied irrigation regime was exhibited by the seed lot collected from plots with IW/CPE ratio 0.8. The maximum standard germination of 82.89% was recorded in seeds from the plants which were grown in sufficient moisture content comprising of IW/CPE 1.2. Exogenous application of salicylic acid improved the seed germination parameters. The highest concentration was most effective in each treatment. Salicylic acid @ 150 ppm expressed better results. The results depicted higher test weight with 17.80g, higher plumule length of 15.75cm, radical length of 5.61 cm, seedling height of 21.36 cm, maximum magnitude 1841.64 and 28.33 of seed vigour index I & II respectively for Jawahar Dhaniya-10 was registered when the seeds harvested from plots with treatment combination of IW/CPE 0.8 along with foliar spray of salicylic acid @ 150ppm (I2C2). Higher content of 89.57% total solids was expressed under interaction of IW/CPE 0.6 with exogenous application of thiourea @ 500ppm (I1C3). Hence it can be concluded that treatment combination of IW/CPE 0.8 along with foliar spray of salicylic acid @ 150ppm (I2C2) ascertained better seed germination and quality attributes.

Retraction: Appraisal of foliar spray of iron and salicylic acid under artificial magnetism on morpho-physiological attributes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants.

Retraction: Appraisal of foliar spray of iron and salicylic acid under artificial magnetism on morpho-physiological attributes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants.

Alleviation of postharvest chilling injury in sweet pepper using Salicylic acid foliar spraying incorporated with caraway oil coating under cold storage.

The decrease in the postharvest quality of sweet peppers in terms of the physiological disorders resulting from cold storage (<7–10°C) results in the significant economic losses. The ability of pre-harvest foliar spraying of Salicylic acid (SA) (1.5 and 3 mM) and the postharvest caraway (Carum carvi) oil coating (0.3% and 0.6%) on chilling injury (CI) and the quality of stored sweet pepper at 4 ± 2°C for 60 d followed by an additional 2 d at 20°C were investigated. The antifungal activity of caraway oil (0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) on Botrytis cinerea mycelia in in vitro showed that the maximum percentage of inhibition was equal to 95% in the medium with 0.6% of this oil. The CI of sweet pepper was significantly reduced by increasing SA, and caraway oil concentrations compared to the control, especially the lowest CI (14.36%), were obtained at 3 mM SA and 0.6% caraway oil treatment. The results showed a significant delay in the changes of weight loss (79.43%), firmness (30%), pH (6%), total soluble solids (TSS) (17%), titratable acidity (TA) (32%), and color surface characteristics and capsaicin content (5%) compared to control fruits at 3 mM SA and 0.6% caraway oil concentrations. Results indicated that the decrease in CI was related to a decrease in electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenolic production, decay incidence, and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD). Thus, the incorporation of SA (3 mM) and caraway oil (0.6%) to reduce the CI of stored sweet pepper at low temperature can be considered a practical solution to improve the quality and marketability of this product.

Application of growth promoting hormones alters the composition and antioxidant potential of dill essential oil under salt stress

The performance of dill plant may be affected by adverse environments such as salinity. Thus, this research was designed to evaluate changes in chemical composition and antioxidant activity of seed essential oil of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) in response to salinity (0, 5, 10 and 15 dS/m) and 1 mM of each hormonal treatments (gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, and cytokinin). Salicylic acid (SA) reduced Na+ content of roots and leaves by 15.4%, 30.9% and 12.4%, 24.3%, but enhanced K+ content by 29.8%, 51.6% and 76.6%, 73.4% under moderate and severe salinities, respectively. Essential oil yield was enhanced with progressing seed filling, despite decreasing essential oil percentage. Percentage of essential oil was increased under low and moderate salinities. Hormonal treatments, particularly SA enhanced seed mass and essential oil percentage, leading to enhanced essential oil yield. The amounts of most constituents were enhanced under moderate salinity. Foliar spray of SA and CK (cytokinin) increased almost all essential oil components, except dill ether and dill apiole, while the GA3 (gibberellic acid) treatment reduced most of the constituents. The α-fenchol was only induced by salt stress. The β-pinene, 1-terpineol, cryptone, oxypeucedanin hydrate, α-thujene and P-α-dimethylstyrene were also specifically synthesized in SA treated plants under salinity. The highest TPC (total phenolic content) and antioxidant activity were recorded for essential oil of SA treated plants at mass maturity under moderate salinity. In general, the SA spray was the most effective treatment for improving essential oil quantity and quality of dill plants.

Comparative Evaluation of Salicylic Acid (SA) and 2,4-Dichloro-6-{(E)-[(3methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl} Phenol (DPMP) on Growth and Salt Stress Tolerance in Forage Pea (Pisum sativum L. arvense)

Alleviation of salt stress is becoming one of the urgent needs of agricultural production. Even though enhancement of tolerance levels with genetic variation is a common approach, exogenous applications of various compounds are a newly emerging field. Here, the effects of two different plant elicitors, salicylic acid (SA) and 2,4-dichloro-6-{(E)-[(3methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl} phenol (DPMP) on growth and stress tolerance levels of forage pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) were evaluated. Plants were exposed to salt stress (100 mM) in addition to DPMP, SA, or DMSO (Solvent) foliar spraying. The results revealed contrasting effects for each elicitor. Under non-stressed conditions, DPMP applied plants had higher values in plant height, shoot dry weight (SDW), and taproot length, while SA applied plants had significantly higher shoot fresh weight (SFW), and DMSO applied plants had higher values in root fresh (RFW) and dry (RDW) weights, and root/shoot ratios. When we evaluated stress tolerance index (STI) levels, DPMP applied plants had higher STI values in SFW, SDW, RFW, and RDW. DPMP improved STI and biomass allocation better than SA and DMSO. These elicitors may have significant potential in abiotic stress tolerance, in addition to their well-known biotic stress eliciting roles. There is a need for further research to define appropriate doses and application times.

Response of date palm offshoots (Phoenix dactylifera L.) to the foliar spray of salicylic acid and citric acid under salinity conditions

Abstract Antioxidants enhance the salt tolerance of date palms. A field experiment was carried out on date palm offshoots to improve the salt tolerance of the Sayer cultivar. Salicylic acid and citric acid (500 and 1,000 ppm) were used. The results showed that all growth parameters of plant height, leaf area, and leaf numbers decreased under the salinity conditions. The antioxidant applications increased the plant height, leaf area, carbohydrates, and relative water content compared with the control. Citric acid at 1,000 ppm decreased electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde. Indoleacetic acid decreased, whereas abscisic acid increased under salinity. The antioxidant application increased indoleacetic, whereas abscisic acid decreased. Proline, protein content, and peroxidase activity increased under antioxidants. Also, the potassium and K/Na ratio increased under antioxidant applications. Citric acid improved the characteristics more than salicylic acid, encouraging farmers to use it for its low cost as an antioxidant to reduce environmental stress damage.

Efficacy Evaluation of Abiotic Elicitors for the Management of Black Rot Disease of Cauliflower Incited by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Aims: To find out the effective abiotic elicitor for management of black rot disease of cauliflower.&#x0D; Study Design: Completely randomized block design (Pot experiment in glasshouse condition).&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: This experiment was conducted at glasshouse of Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during the year 2021-22.&#x0D; Methodology: Different abiotic elicitors were applied by spraying whole plants (45 days old) with the aid of a fine atomizer onto the upper leaf surfaces. Pathogen X. campestris pv. campestris was inoculated after 72 h of elicitor treatment, Control plants were treated with the distilled water. The disease assessment was done at 14 and 21 days after inoculation by using six- point scale and Percent Disease severity was calculated.&#x0D; Results: In case of foliar spray of Salicylic acid before 72 h of inoculation of pathogen, minimum percent diseases severity (25.56) was recorded at the concentration of 3 mM after 21 days of pathogen inoculation. In case of BABA, minimum percent disease severity (18.37) was observed at 800 \(\mu g/ml\) concentration. INA helps to reduce the disease severity at 100 uM concentration. ASM was found effective at 350\(\mu g/ml\) with 14.07% disease severity and 82.91% disease control efficiency. In case of MeJA, minimum percent disease severity (30.32) was observed at 2mM concentration.&#x0D; Conclusion: Among all the tested abiotic elicitors at different concentration, ASM at the concentration of 350 \(\mu g/ml\)was found very effective to manage the disease.&#x0D; Black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a very important and devastating disease of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) crop resulting into 10–50% yield losses every year. So for the management of black rot disease, five abiotic elicitors viz; salicylic acid(SA-0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mM), methyl jasmonte (MeJA-0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0mM), \(\beta\)-Aminobutyric acid (BABA-200, 400, 600, 800 \(\mu g/ml\), acibenzolar-S- methyl (ASM-150, 250, 350, 450 \(\mu g/ml\)) and dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA-50, 100, 150, 200 \(\mu \)M) were tested to induce systemic resistance against the disease. The experiment was conducted under glasshouse condition at Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during the year 2021-22. Foliar application of these abiotic elicitors was done on 45 days old plants of susceptible cv. Pusa Sharad of cauliflower. Results indicated that among all the tested chemical elicitors at different concentration, ASM@350 \(\mu g/ml\) was found very effective to manage the disease. It shows 82.91% disease control efficacy with 14.07% disease severity.

Salicylic acid improves physiological indicators of soursop irrigated with saline water

ABSTRACT Plants grown under salinity are subject to osmotic and ionic stresses that cause several physiological changes, so searching for strategies that minimize the deleterious effects is essential for the development of irrigated agriculture. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effects of foliar applications of salicylic acid on the mitigation of the effects of salt stress on photosynthetic pigments and chlorophyll a fluorescence of soursop cv. Morada Nova. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, in a randomized block design and 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five values of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8 - control, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 and 4.0 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid - SA (0, 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 mM), with three replicates. Foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.4 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll total, and carotenoids of soursop when irrigated with water of up to 1.5 dS m-1. Salicylic acid at concentrations above 1.4 mM combined with irrigation with saline water intensified the deleterious effects on photosynthetic pigments. Chlorophyll a fluorescence was not influenced by salicylic acid sprays up to the concentration of 3.6 mM.

Effects of preharvest applications of chemicals and storage conditions on the physico-chemical characteristics and shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of preharvest sprays of chemicals and evaporative cooling (ZECC) on the postharvest physico-chemical quality and shelf life of tomatoes. The experiment was conducted using a combination of ten preharvest sprays of chemicals (chitosan (0.1%), chitosan (0.3%), chitosan (0.5%), salicylic acid (SA) (0.015%), SA (0.03%), SA (0.045%), calcium chloride (CaCl2) (1%), CaCl2 (3%), CaCl2 (5%) and control) and two storage conditions (ambient environment storage and ZECC). The design of the experiment was completely randomized design with three replications. Data were collected from tomato samples (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. ARP tomato D2) on four days interval. The result showed that all physico-chemical quality indicators were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by both preharvest sprays and storage conditions. CaCl2 (5%) sprays extended the shelf life of tomato by 6 days in ZECC and 11 days in ambient storage compared to the control. The highest concentration of CaCl2 and SA sprays minimized PLW and maintained fruit marketability compared to the control. The firmness of tomatoes was better retained with the sprays of SA (0.045%) in both storage conditions. CaCl2 (5%), SA (0.045%) and chitosan (0.5%) sprays retained the titratable acidity by 42.86%, 47.62% and 33.33%, respectively compared to the control inside ZECC storage. At the end of storage period, the highest TSS was observed on tomatoes sprayed with SA (0.03%) followed by chitosan (0.1%) and chitosan (0.3%). The lycopene contents were lower with sprays of SA (0.045%), SA (0.03%), CaCl2 (3%), CaCl2 (5%) and chitosan (0.1%) stored inside ZECC indicating the effectiveness of preharvest sprays in delaying lycopene accumulation. Moreover, the AA contents of tomatoes sprayed with CaCl2 (5%), SA (0.045%) and chitosan (0.1%) were higher by 34.10%, 38.19% and 23.84%, respectively compared to the control. The result indicated that combining preharvest chemical sprays and ZECC storage is important to maintain the physico-chemical quality and shelf life of tomatoes.

Foliar Spraying of Salicylic Acid Enhances Growth, Yield, and Curcuminoid Biosynthesis Gene Expression as Well as Curcuminoid Accumulation in Curcuma longa

The application of exogenously applied salicylic acid plays important roles in improving the growth, yield, and bioactive compound compositions of different plant species. Curcuma longa is a medicinal plant that is commonly used as a spice and food additive, and has antioxidant potential. In this study, an innovative strategy for enhancing active compound production was investigated by applying a natural plant growth enhancer—namely, salicylic acid (SA)—to C. longa plants. The experiment was conducted using a complete randomized block design. The effects of SA on the growth, yield, and chemical compound contents of C. longa were recorded. Our findings demonstrated that SA significantly improved C. longa growth, yield, and curcuminoid content when compared to control treatment, with SA at 10−3 M having the greatest effect. The study also indicated that the increase in the curcuminoid content was accompanied by the overexpression of the curcumin synthase 1 (CURS1), 2 (CURS2), and 3 (CURS3) genes, as well as the diketide-CoA synthase (DCS) gene, which have been implicated in the synthesis of curcuminoids.

FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID AND CALCIUM CHLORIDE ENHANCE HEAT STRESS TOLERANCE IN TOMATO

The aim of this research was to enhance heat stress tolerance potential in local tomato germplasm through exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Various concentrations of salicylic acid (e.g., control, 2.5 mM, 3.5 mM and 4.5 mM) and calcium chloride (e.g., control, 0.3 mM, 0.4 mM and 0.5 mM) were applied for the duration of forty days. Physiological parameters include (stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and water use efficiency) as well as biochemical attributes (chlorophyll content, enzyme activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxidase dismutase) of selected tomato genotypes estimated under heat stress conditions. The results revealed that SA and CaCl2 application enhanced vegetative growth of tomato genotypes as compared with control plants. An increased concentration of SA and CaCl2 showed the improved photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content and induced transpiration rate and stomatal conductance and antioxidant enzyme activity. The study proved that foliar spray of SA and CaCl2 involved in stabilizing the cell as well as cellular integrity under heat stress environment.

​Foliar Spray of Elicitors on Physiology and Quality Responses in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Background: In the presented work, we studied the effect of foliar spray of elicitors namely chitosan, phenylalanine and salicylic acid sans any stress treatment on physiological and quality parameters in turmeric genotypes. Methods: Feld experiment was undertaken under rainfed condition using four genotypes. The elicitors were sprayed at rhizome development stage and various measurements namely chlorophylls, carotenoids content and gas exchange parameters were done at different time intervals. The harvested rhizomes were analysed for its curcuminoids content. Result: The results showed that elicitor treatment increased the leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids content in statistically significant manner. The highest increase in total chlorophyll content (36%) was observed in chitosan treated plants. Likewise, the highest increase in total carotenoids content (33%) was found in phenylalanine treatment. The highest photosynthetic rate increase (76%) was obtained in salicylic acid treatment. The total curcuminoids showed significant increase in only Pragati (16%) and Rajapuri (20%) genotypes. Results suggested that foliar spray of chitosan and salicylic acid at rhizome development stage could be employed to elicit the physiological response and improve the quality of turmeric grown under rainfed condition.

Appraisal of foliar spray of iron and salicylic acid under artificial magnetism on morpho-physiological attributes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants.

The appraisal of foliar treatment of iron (Fe) and salicylic acid (SA) on plant under artificial magnetism is very crucial in understanding its impact on growth and development of plants. The present study was designed to document the potential role of Fe and SA on pea (Pisum sativum L.) Matore variety exposed to different magnetism treatments (geomagnetism and artificial magnetism). Thus a pot experiment was conducted using Completely Randomized Design under factorial with three replicates. Various artificial magnetic treatment were applied in pots prior to sowing. Further, 15 days germinated pea seedlings were foliarly supplemented with 250 ppm Fe and 250μM SA, moreover after 20 days of foliar fertilization plants were harvested to analyze and record various morpho-physiological attributes. Data elucidate significant variations in pea plants among different treatments. Artificial magnetism treatments in combination with foliar application of Fe and SA significantly improved various growth attributes (root and shoot length, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot, leaf area), photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, b and carotenoids) and the contents of soluble sugars. However, oxidative stress (H2O2 and MDA) enhanced under different magnetism treatment but foliar application of Fe and SA hampered the production of reactive oxygen species thereby limiting the concentration of H2O2 and MDA in plant tissues. Furthermore the accumulation of nutrients (iron, potassium and nitrate) profoundly increased under artificial magnetism treatment specifically under Fe and SA foliar treatment excluding nitrate where Fe foliar treatment tend to limit nitrate in plant. Consequently, the present research interestingly highlights progressive role of Fe and SA foliar treatment on pea plants under artificial magnetism. Thus, foliar supplementation may be suggested for better growth and development of plants combined with magnetic treatments.

Trade-offs in Root and Shoot Growth in Forage Pea [Pisum sativum (L.) arvense] with Foliar Applications of Synthetic Elicitor DPMP (2,4-Dichloro-6-{(E)-[(3-Methoxyphenyl) Imino] Methyl} Phenol) and SA (Salicylic Acid)

Background: Climate change, abiotic and biotic stress pressure are forcing breeders and farmers to find alternative ways to improve and extend food production. Even though there are multiple ways to cope with stress conditions, alleviation of the stress by enhancing plant responses is one of the cheapest, environmentally safest and most direct ways. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two common plant defense elicitors, 2,4-dichloro-6-{(E)-[(3-methoxyphenyl) imino] methyl} phenol (DPMP) and salicylic acid (SA) on plant growth and seedling vigor with forage pea [Pisum sativum (L.) arvense] as a model plant. Methods: Two different chemicals, 100 µM SA and 10 µM DPMP were evaluated in response to Polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG) treatment in a semi-hydroponic growth system. Root architecture and shoot growth parameters were evaluated. The experiment was designed according to completely randomized design with three replications and ten plants per replication. Result: The effects of SA and DPMP foliar applications were significant on tap, lateral and total root lengths, number of lateral roots and root fresh weight. For most of the traits, SA and DPMP did not inhibit plant growth compared to control under treated and untreated conditions. Average lateral root length (aLatRL) was the noteworthy trait with significantly higher values in DPMP + unstressed conditions. Plants sprayed with DPMP had significantly higher (5.57 cm plant-1) aLatRL values compared to SA (4.53 cm plant-1) and control (3.01 cm plant-1). The results of the current study suggest that SA and DPMP foliar spraying can be beneficial to reduce the effects of abiotic stresses at optimal doses defined for each species. DPMP can be a candidate as a sustainable pesticide alternative and growth-enhancing agent, similar to SA.

Effects of exogenous salicylic acid and abscisic acid on growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant system of rice

The key function of plant growth regulators is to adjust the growth and development of plants to adapt to the changing environment, which plays a vital role in the growth and yield of crops. This study was aimed to evaluate the ability of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) to regulate rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth quality at seedling stage and reproductive stage. The two rice cultivars Wanshengyoutianhong-4 (W4) and Huanghuazhan (HZ) were sprayed foliar with SA (100 mg L-1) and ABA (4 mg L-1) at two-leaf stage, and their effects on morphological growth, physiological characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA), osmotic substances, protective enzyme activities, photosynthesis and yield components were studied. Results indicated that SA and ABA significantly increased morphological growth, osmotic substances, antioxidant enzyme activities; MDA content dropped significantly (p < 0.05) in W4. While the two regulators inhibited morphological growth and physiological characteristics in HZ. Additionally, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency and apparent mesophyll conductance were improved in both of rice cultivars at heading stage as well as grain weight. In conclusion, foliar spray of SA and ABA enhanced plant growth, induced an increase in protective enzyme activities and reduced the oxidative damage of the hybrid rice cultivar but not of the conventional rice cultivar at seedling stage. Meanwhile, photosynthetic parameters and grain weight were slightly enhanced at reproductive stage. These results served as a theoretical basis and technical support for the chemical regulation and cultivation practices of rice.

Postharvest quality maintenance of 'Crimson Seedless' grapes by preharvest applications

The present study was carried out during both 2018 and 2019 growing seasons on ‘Crimson Seedless’ grape vine grown on sandy soil. Vines received water, salicylic acid 200 mg/L, chitosan 10 g/L, putrescine 5 mM, phenylalanine 400 mg/L, ascorbic acid 500 mg/L, citric acid 700 mg/L, gibberellic acid 20 mg/L, active dry yeast 15 g/L at véraison (change of color) stages and at 10 days before harvesting time. Fruit clusters were harvested when total soluble solids (TSS) reached 16%, stored at 0°C and 85–90 relative humidity for 35 days then kept 2 days at shelf life (25 ±2°C and air humidity 70 ±2). Results at harvest time showed that, salicylic acid, putrescine, gibberellic acid and yeast increased average berry weight and juice volume. Salicylic acid, chitosan, putrescine, citric acid and gibberellic acid maintained the berry adherence strength and firmness. Salicylic acid, chitosan, putrescine and phenylalanine increased berry red color, as well as berry anthocyanin, TSS and sugars content. Highest acidity content was obtained by salicylic acid, chitosan, citric acid and gibberellic acid spraying. Results after cold storage and shelf life showed that, berry weight loss decreased significantly by all chemical sprays, except phenylalanine. High maintenance of berry adherence strength and firmness occurred by gibberellic acid followed by putrescine. All chemicals reduced the unmarketable grapes except the phenylalanine.

Foliar Spraying of Potassium Nitrate, Salicylic Acid, and Thio-urea Effects on Growth, Physiological Processes, and Yield of Sodicity-Stressed Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) with Alkali Water Irrigation

Foliar Spraying of Potassium Nitrate, Salicylic Acid, and Thio-urea Effects on Growth, Physiological Processes, and Yield of Sodicity-Stressed Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) with Alkali Water Irrigation

Physiological and Qualitative Response of Cucurbita pepo L. to Salicylic Acid under Controlled Water Stress Conditions

Limited water stress is one of the most important environmental stresses that affect the growth, quantity and quality of agronomic crops. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of foliar applied salicylic acid (SA) on physiological responses, antioxidant enzymes and qualitative traits of Cucurbita pepo L. Plants exposed to water-stressed conditions in two years of field studies. Irrigation regimes at three soil matric potential levels (−0.3, −1.2 and −1.8 MPa) and SA at four levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L) were considered as main plot and sub-plots, respectively. The soil matric potential values (MPa) was measured just before irrigation. Results showed that under water stressed conditions alone, the amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ion leakage were higher compared with control treatment. However, spraying of SA under both water stress and non-stress conditions reduced the values of the above parameters. Water stress increased CAT, APX and GR enzymes activity. However foliar application of SA led to the decrease of CAT, APX and GR under all soil matric potential levels. The amount of carbohydrates and fatty acids increased with the intensity of water stress and SA modulated this response. By increasing SA concentration both in optimum and stress conditions, saturated fatty acids content decreased. According to our data, the SA application is an effective approach to improve pumpkin growth under water stress conditions.

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Exogenous Spray of Bio-Stimulants on Seed Quality of Kabuli Chickpea

Biostimulants have been defined as substances or materials extracted from plants, which have the capacity to beneficially modify plant growth. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae and it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and protein. Two field experiments were conducted in Northwestern Iran (L1: Maragheh and L2: Hashtroud) to determine the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) application (0 and 20 t/ha) and foliar application of bio-stimulants and chemical nutrients (acid salicylic, acid ascorbic, riboflavin, silicon dioxide nanoparticles, micronutrients, and distilled water as control) on nutritional characteristics of chickpea seeds. Results showed that there is a significant difference between seed quality of plant grown in two locations and the highest content of fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid), nitrogen, phosphorus, starch, and protein were recorded in seeds harvested from L2. Also, foliar application of micronutrient and silicon dioxide nanoparticles significantly increased dietary fiber, ash, starch, protein percentage. Concentrations of mineral nutrients (N, P, Fe, and Zn) significantly increased with the foliar application of micronutrients. Spray of acid salicylic and acid ascorbic increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in both locations. Furthermore, the highest amount of flavonoid and crude oil was achieved by foliar spray of acid salicylic, silicon, and riboflavin. Although foliar spray of bio-stimulants and chemical nutrients improved seed quality in both locations, their positive effects were more pronounced in L2 where the soil and climate condition were partially better than L1. Overall, the best performance for major compounds of chickpea seeds was achieved by foliar spray of acid salicylic, micronutrients, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles in the FYM treatment. The present study indicate that improving the soil conditions is essential before foliar treatments. From the present investigation, it may be concluded that soil management using farmyard and crop management with foliar application of bio-stimulants were able to improve the quality of seeds and nutritional value of Kabuli chickpeas in both areas. Also, results showed that the application of FYM in L1 which has previously been under poor management, incorrect rotations, and experienced intensive agriculture are very necessary. Foliar feeding with micronutrients and foliar spray salicylic acid as well as Si-NPs under FYM applied conditions noticeably increased seed quality especially in the site with better soil and climate conditions (L2). Improving soil conditions can lead to prominent effects of foliar treatments. Our results revealed that foliar spray of Si-NPs, micronutrients and salicylic acid as simple and accessible crop management options can be effective in the semi-arid regions. Further research is needed to prove their positive functions at the subcellular level.

Induction of systemic acquired resistance in Capsicum annuum L. against Chilli Veinal Mottle Virus by foliar spray of salicylic acid

Induction of systemic acquired resistance in Capsicum annuum L. against Chilli Veinal Mottle Virus by foliar spray of salicylic acid