Salicylic Acid Solution Research Articles

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS ON SEED GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF SEEDS - REVIEW

The germination of seeds in salt tress or in drought stress is possible with Hoagland’s solution by using growth regulators or growth hormones like Gibberellic acid solution, IAA, IBA, salicylic acid solution and etc. Hydropriming and Osmopriming is used to make the germination easy as it is regulating the moisture and temperature of seeds. Citric acid solution is mainly used to break seed dormancy. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the chemical solution which gives result as well. There are more ways for germination with CS/TPP nanoparticles and SLN with 1:100 & 1:1000 proportions with dilute solution.

SEED PRIMING EFFECTS ON MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS UNDER OPTIMAL AND LOW TEMPERATURES

The recent research evaluated the effects of growth stimulant seed treatment on the morphological traits of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. cv. ‘Krepysh’ grown under optimal and low positive temperature conditions. The seeds were continuously soaked for 4 h in five different solutions of growth stimulants, i.e., salicylic acid (SAA - 138 mg/L), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 - 10 and 50 mmol/L), calcium chloride (CaCl2 - 3000 mg/L), succinic acid (SUA - 500 mg/L), and control (distilled water). The stimulant-primed seeds were germinated at optimal temperature (23°C) and continued to germinate at low temperatures of 10°C (T10) and 23°C (T23). The results showed that seed germination rates viz., germination potential (GP), germination rate (GR), germination index (GI), viability index (VI), and seed vigor index (SVI), were significantly improved with seed quality potential compared with the control. Under low positive temperature, seeds treated with succinic acid, H2O2, and CaCl2 had the most significant effects on improving seed quality and induced cold resistance in the seeds. The morphological indicators of amaranth seedlings, i.e., biomass, hypocotyl, and root length, were also significantly improved with seed treatment by growth stimulants. Priming of amaranth seeds with hydrogen peroxide and succinic acid showed a greater increase in seedlings’ biomass at room (23°C) and low (10°C) temperatures. The seed treatment with SUA and SAA significantly contributed to enhancing the hypocotyl length. The amaranth roots achieved maximum length after seed treatment with SUA and CaCl2. In general, the seed treatment effects on seedling's biomass under chilling stress were associated with the potential of inducing cold tolerance in seedlings.

SEED PRIMING EFFECTS ON SEED QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN THE SEEDLINGS OF AMARANTHUS TRICOLOR L.

Amaranthus tricolor L. cv. ‘Valentina’ leaves are a promising source of dietary food supplements (DFS) and are used to prepare tea drinks that improve human health in Russia. Amaranth is a small-seeded crop, and the seed mass differs significantly, which leads to unfriendly shoots and a decrease in the potential productivity of the plant biomass. Pre-sowing treatment with growth stimulants can improve its seed quality. The study aimed to improve the seed quality, the morpho-physiological parameters, and the antioxidant properties of amaranth seedlings grown from seeds treated with plant growth stimulants at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC), Moscow, Russia. For seed treatments, water solutions of salicylic acid (SA - 138 mg/L), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 - 5 mM), succinic acid (ScA - 500 mg/L), calcium chloride (CaCl2 - 3000 mg/L), and gibberellic acid (GA3 - 300 mg/L) were used. Researchers germinated the seeds first in petri dishes in natural light at a daytime temperature of 23±2°C for seven days. Determining amaranthine, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content used generally accepted methods. Pre-sowing treatment of large and small fractions of amaranth seeds with GA3, ScA, and CaCl2 improved the seed quality, whereas seed treatment of SA and H2O2 reduced the seed quality. Recording of antioxidants (amaranthine and carotenoids) and total chlorophyll content accumulation in seedlings grown from the treated seeds followed. The levels of amaranthine and photosynthetic pigments decreased in the seedlings of Amaranthus tricolor L. cv. Valentina seeds with ScA, CaCl2, and GA3 treatments, while the seedling's biomass exceeded that of control, which suggests that these chemicals act as growth regulators. The negative effect of SA on the viability of large (LF) and small (SF) amaranth seeds showed significant reductions in the morphometric indicators. It may be due to oxidative stress, enhancing amaranthine content in the cotyledonary leaves of seedlings.

Comparative Effects of Four Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Field Performance of Crocus sativus L.

The effects of four plant growth regulators on Crocus sativus L. (saffron) yield and performance were studied in two consecutive years under field conditions. Saffron corms were immersed in solutions of gibberellic acid (GA3), salicylic acid (SA), paclobutrazol (PBZ), chlormequat chloride (CCC), distilled water (hydroprime), and dry corms as the control. Results showed that among the different treatments, plants primed with GA3 500 μM had the highest flower fresh weight and stigma dry weight. In contrast, primed corms with 1000 μM CCC and 100 μM PBZ had the lowest flower dry weight. Furthermore, the plants primed with SA 1400 had the highest leaf numbers, leaf dry weight, and leaf area index (LAI). Plants treated with GA3 induced narrow but the longest leaves, while those treated with SA showed the widest ones. It was also demonstrated that the application of CCC and PBZ can produce shorter leaves. Furthermore, the greatest numbers of daughter corms were obtained in 1400 μM SA. Both PBZ and CCC were reported to have no impacts on the corm numbers but produced larger and heavier daughter corms. The results revealed that the priming of saffron corms with GA3 and then SA improved saffron growth and yield.

Efficiency of the use of chemical preservatives in the process of dew-retting when growing fiber flax

The influence of retted stalks treatment with solutions of copper sulfate and salicylic acid on the process of dew-retting of fiber flax, its microbiological and technological indicators was studied. It was revealed that the use of the investigated preparations allows regulating the course of microbiological processes in ripening rolls and reducing the loss of fiber flax quality. At the same time, salicylic acid treatment can be recommended in cases when it is necessary to speed up the process of retted stalks maturing and quickly organize its harvesting with minimal loss of quality. If, however, a situation has arisen when it is impossible to harvest an almost ready-made retted stalks from the field, it is recommended to restrain the reproduction of fungi on the retted stalks by treating it with a solution of copper sulfate in order to suspend the processes of further decomposition of the fibre and loss of its quality.

Postharvest Salicylic Acid Treatment Affects Weight Loss, Spoilage and Biochemical Attributes of Bartlett Pear Fruits

The present study aimed to determine the effect of postharvest salicylic acid (SA) treatments on storability and biochemical quality of Bartlett pear fruits at ambient storage conditions. Freshly harvested fruits were treated with salicylic acid solution at 0 (control), 0.5, 1 or 2 mM and fruits were stored at ambient conditions (room temperature) for 21 days storage studies. Data on physiological loss in weight (PLW), fruit spoilage and biochemical quality of fruits (total soluble soils, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing and total sugars) were recorded. Results revealed that the salicylic acid treatments significantly minimized the PLW and fruit spoilage. At 21 days of storage at ambient conditions, the lowest PLW (13.76 %) and fruit spoilage (21.70 %) was noted with SA at 2 mM. All three SA treatments effectively retained the biochemical attributes of fruits i.e. total soluble soils, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing and total sugars as compared to control fruits. In conclusion, Salicylic acid at 2 mM treatment to the Bartlett pear fruits after harvest can be useful in minimizing the PLW and fruit spoilage and also maintaining the biochemical quality of fruits during ambient storage conditions.

Salicylic Acid Improves the Salt Tolerance Capacity of Saponaria officinalis by Modulating Its Photosynthetic Rate, Osmoprotectants, Antioxidant Levels, and Ion Homeostasis

Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in regulating salt stress tolerance in plants. However, there are no studies on the effect of exogenous SA on Saponaria officinalis under salt stress. To study the effectiveness of SA on mitigating salt stress, S. officinalis were used in a pot experiment of salt stress simulated with an NaCl solution (100, 200, and 300 mmol L−1), while an SA solution (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 mmol L−1) was sprayed on leaves. Under salt stress, spraying SA caused an increase in the salt damage index, electrolyte leakage, and a reduction in malondialdehyde and Na+ content, but an increase in the rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, soluble protein, free proline, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ content, the K+/Na+ ratio, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase activity, and the comprehensive score. The results show that SA improves the salt tolerance capacity of S. officinalis by modulating its photosynthetic rate, osmoprotectants, antioxidant levels, and ion homeostasis. However, the effectiveness of SA was not linearly related to its concentration. In summary, our findings reveal the protective roles of SA against salinity in S. officinalis and suggest that the use of 0.6 mmol L−1 of SA in salt stress conditions could be an effective approach to reduce the damage caused by saline soil in S. officinalis.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF CHERRY FRUITS DURING STORAGE FOR POLYSACCHARID COMPOSITION TREATMENTS

It was shown that cherry fruits are a valuable fruit crop with a limited shelf life, so now it is important to develop new technologies for long-term storage of fruits using post-harvest processing. The physical and physiological properties of cherry fruits during treatment with polysaccharide compositions have been studied. The effect of pre-treatment with salicylic acid and chitosan solutions on cherry fruits, respiration rate and heat release is shown. For research, cherry fruits of Shpanka and Lotivka varieties common in Ukraine were sprayed with an aqueous solution of 50 mg/l or 100 mg/l of salicylic acid, 0.5% or 1% aqueous solution of chitosan. A day later, the fruits were removed from the trees, placed in boxes of 5 kg, stored at a temperature of 1 ± 0.5°C and relative humidity of 95 ± 1% in the following options: control - unprocessed fruits and cherries treated with a solution of salicylic acid or chitosan. Pre-treatment of cherry fruits with a solution of salicylic acid caused a decrease in respiration rate from 7.0 to 13.0 mg of CO2 / kg ∙ h and 12.0 to 18.0 mg of CO2 / kg ˑ h, which helped reduce heat loss 0.07… 0.14 and 0.13… 0.19 kJ / t ∙ day, and ventilation productivity of 1.5… 1.9 times. The heat intensity of cherry fruits treated with chitosan solution was lower than in the control and was 0.16 - 0.32 kJ / t ∙ day, compared with 0.2 - 0.33 kJ / t bу day in the control of the ventilation rate of 7.4 - 12.35m3 / t∙h (control) and 5.93 - 11.95 m3/t ∙ h for processed cherry fruits. Therefore, pre-treatment with a solution of salicylic acid and chitosan will help reduce the temperature of the embankment of the fruit with lower ventilation capacity.

Synthesis of Natural Salicylic Acid as a Cosmetic Ingredient Using Green Chemistry Methods

Objective: Salicylic acid (SA) is a keratinolytic agent also used as preservative in cosmetic products. Green chemistry, known as sustainable chemistry, is the design of products and processes eliminating the use of chemicals. It is applicable throughout a chemical product's life cycle, including its design, manufacture, use, and final disposal. The aim of this study was to synthesize SA with green chemistry methods using different amounts of wintergreen oil and to optimize the relevant steps in this path. Materials and Methods: The SA was synthesized from natural wintergreen oil using green chemistry methods. First laboratory-scale synthesis was developed and 15 laboratory-scale synthesis trial patterns, using reaction temperature, wintergreen oil-sodium hydroxide molar ratio, sodium hydroxide-water weight ratio, reaction time and pH were performed. Purity was analysed with gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) and moisture analysis was performed. Results and Conclusion: As a result of pilot production run with 1 kg, 5 kg, and three batches of 20 kg of wintergreen oil, SA was produced with a yield range of 91.06-93.92 %. The resulting SA batches had a purity of approximately 99%. This is a sufficient degree of purity for SA to be used as a raw material in cosmetics products. Filtering the SA solution using a filter press reduced crystal drying time and brought down the total production time to eight days.

Effect of salicylic and ascorbic acids on post-harvest vase life of Chrysanthemum cut flowers

Flower vase life is one important aspect in determining the flower quality in the cut flower chrysanthemum. The use of ascorbic or salicylic acid as preservative solutions was expected to have an impact on the prolonged duration of the cut flower freshness. The research was designed in two parallel experiments. The first dealt with salicylic acid, while the second focused on ascorbic acid. Both experiments were arranged in a factorial completely blocked randomised design. Two chrysanthemum varieties, i.e., ‘Reagent Sunny’ and ‘Yellow <br />Fiji’ were the first factor and concentrations of the salicylic or ascorbic acids, i.e., 0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm became the second factor. The results showed the termination of the flower freshness was recognised by the wilted leaves and petals, and petal colour changes. In all the treatments, the colour change of the wilted petals of each variety fell in the same colour, indicating the direction of the colour changes was not affected by the ascorbic/salicylic acids. Ascorbic acid at 200 ppm induced longer flower longevity than the control with delayed chlorophyll degradation in both tested cultivars. In the salicylic acid applications, a 100-ppm solution induced longer flower freshness only in the ‘Reagent Sunny’. In higher concentrations, salicylic acid solutions induced shorter flower freshness with faster chlorophyll degradation and basal tissue damage in the ‘Yellow Fiji’.

Comparative effects of gibberellic acid, salicylic acid and Bacillus subtilis on oxidative stress marker and antioxidant potential of Musa sapientum Linn

Banana (Musa sapientum) as a major fruit is widely cultivated for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Thus, to avoid wastage, there is a need to increase its shelf life. In this study, banana fruits were dipped into the solutions of salicylic acid (SA), gibberellic acid (GA3), Bacillus subtilis (BS) and BS with SA or GA3, respectively, and control in distilled water. The SA, GA3 and BS effects on postharvest treatment of banana was investigated at 0, 3 and 6 day. This study compared the effects of GA3, SA or BS and their combined treatment on antioxidant properties of banana. The results showed that the use of GA3, SA and BS individually or in combination significantly (p ≤ .05) increased the antioxidant properties of the fruits. Decreased titratable acidity and weight loss in the treated groups show the effectiveness of postharvest treatments. Therefore, the results of (GA3 and BS) combined effect is a promising postharvest treatment for banana fruits.

Increase in Plant Survival in the Processes of Phytoremediation of Oil-Contaminated Soils of the Permafrost Zone

Oil and oil products are among the most common soil contaminants. The phytoremediation method is widely used to restore oil-contaminated soils. Permafrost conditions are an additional stress factor for plant growth. The experimental results showed that the dependences of the physiological characteristics of plants on the amount of added oil are nonlinear, which indicates the adaptive nature of these changes. Small amounts of oil (0.16-0.25%) even stimulate plant growth. However, oil additions in excess of 0.82% already inhibit plant growth. The study of increasing plant survival in permafrost soils in a toxic environment (oil pollution) showed that positive results had been achieved by soaking seeds in solutions of biologically active substances. Seed soaking increased the resistance of plants even at the stage of seed treatment, which contributes to their survival in a toxic oil-polluted environment. For example, it is possible to recommend a sowing of Vicia sativa seeds that have been pre-treated by soaking in salicylic acid solutions of different concentrations or humate for increase the effectiveness of measures to clean up areas from oil pollution.

Reducing root galling caused by root knot nematodes in black pepper (<em>Piper nigrum</em> L. cv. ‘Kuching’) through nutrient supplementation

Purpose: Root-knot nematodes (RKN) remain one of the leading causes of economic damage in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cultivation worldwide. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of black pepper plants to RKN when irrigated with three nutrient solutions; Hoagland solution only, Hoagland solution + 0.005 mM potassium silicate solution, and Hoagland solution + 2 mM salicylic acid solution. Research Method: Plants grown in medium-sized polybags were inoculated with RKN and routinely irrigated with the appropriate nutrient solutions. Presence of foliar symptoms of RKN infection on plants, their aerial growth plus root infestation were assessed. Superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide production from the plant leaves were also detected after inoculation. Findings: Foliar symptoms of RKN infection started manifesting after 81 days from inoculation. Plants without silicate or salicylic acid supplementation displayed the most severe foliar disorder symptoms, highest root galling and the shortest aerial growth. Plants irrigated with potassium silicate had the highest aerial growth and their leaves showed the least oxidative stress when challenged with RKN. Originality: From present results, soil amendment with potassium silicate is a promising tool for reducing root galling and promoting aerial growth in RKN-infested black pepper fields.

A Randomized Control Trial of 20% Glycolic Acid Versus 30% Salicylic Acid in the Management of Molluscum Contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common self-limiting viral infection of the skin. Many therapeutic agents have been used for it with varying success rates. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety profile of topical 20% glycolic acid and 30% salicylic acid in the treatment of MC in pediatric patients. All patients of MC between 1 and 15 years of age attending the outpatient department of dermatology were randomized into two treatment groups A and B. Group A was treated with 20% glycolic acid solution, and group B was treated with 30% salicylic acid solution daily for 4 weeks. Parents of patients were instructed to apply the medication once daily at night for 1 h on the lesions only. The assessment of response and side effects were analyzed in all the patients weekly for 4 weeks during the daily treatment protocol. Follow-up was done monthly for 3 months after the completion of therapy. At the end of 4 weeks, group A patients (60 patients) were treated with 20% glycolic acid out of which 34 (56.66%) patients had a complete clearance of lesions. Group B patients were treated with 30% salicylic acid out of which 38 (63.33%) had a complete clearance of lesions. Secondary bacterial infection was the most common side effect followed by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in both groups. 30% salicylic acid was found to be more effective and has less side-effect profile in the treatment of MC than 20% glycolic acid.

Producing Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum L. cv. ‘Kuching’) Rootstock in a Deep-Water Culture Hydroponic System

Stem cutting is the common planting material for black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) farmers mainly because the method is cheap, easy to obtain, and produces satisfactory number of new plantlets, which are relatively genetically uniform to their parent. However, soil propagation of stem cuttings renders both the stem and developing roots susceptible to soil borne pathogens, ultimately compromising the quality of the plant. Good quality rootstock of the new plant promotes faster, safer, and better black pepper plant establishment. Hydroponic farming thus offers a good platform for producing quality rootstock of the new plants and has gained importance to many farmers due to its flexibility in manipulating plant growth conditions and timely pathogen management, thus safer, healthier, and faster growth. This study investigated the growing media suitable for rootstock growth of P. nigrum L. cv. ‘Kuching’ and compared the rooting ability between stem cuttings with adventitious roots at the time of planting and stem cuttings without any root at the time of planting. In a laboratory setting, a total of 210 stem cuttings were hydroponically planted in seven nutrient compositions, with each nutrient composition containing an equal number of stem cuttings with adventitious roots at the time of planting and stem cuttings without any root at the time of planting. Hoagland solution supplemented with 0.005 mM potassium silicate solution (T4) and Hoagland solution supplemented with 2 mM salicylic acid solution (T6) showed faster root initiation whereas T1 (Hoagland solution only) produced the highest increment in root length followed by T6. The least suitable nutrient composition was T5 [T4 + 6 mL of 1 M Ca (NO3)2.4H2O solution]. The total number of roots was highest in plants from stem cuttings which had some adventitious roots at the time of planting, whereas roots in plants from stem cuttings which did not have any root at the time of planting, increased in root length faster than plants withstem cuttings which had adventitious roots at the time of planting.

Profiling of energy compartmentalization in photosystem II (PSII), light harvesting complexes and specific energy fluxes of primed maize cultivar (P1429) under salt stress environment

Photosystem II efficiency is the most important aspect of stress physiology to keep photosynthetic momentum operative under stress conditions. In the last few decades effect of priming on the germination growth and physiology of plants were highlighted. Profiling energy compartmentalization in PSII using chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and specific energy fluxes of primed seeds and plants has not been documented. It is crucial to discover the changes associated with the light-harvesting complexes, PSII functionality, and photochemical modulations occurring in the biochemical thylakoid membrane in response to priming and salt stress. The present study mainly focuses on photosystem II efficiency leading to physiological tolerance by seed priming. We grow the plants after seed priming with the solution of sodium chloride (75 and 150 mM), salicylic acid (1 and 2 mM), and calcium chloride (34 mM) and nitrate (20 mM). All the primed plants were subjected to salt stress 10 days after germination @ 0, 75, and 150 mM NaCl. Later germination, growth, morphology, physiology, PS II functionality and photochemical yield were evaluated. NaCl priming did more promising effects on energy compartmentalization, light-harvesting ability, and specific energy fluxes of photosystem II compared to salicylic acid and calcium salts under a stress environment. Maximum quantum yield (FV/FM), active reaction centers with higher efficiency of water splitting complex (FV/FO), restored electron flow, higher photochemical quenching (qP), oxygen evolution (SMT-phase), and almost negligible heat dissipation are associated with better osmotic adjustment and higher water uptake (RWC) under stress condition.

Treatments to prolong the postharvest life of Heliconia wagneriana Petersen

Abstract Tropical flowers have a growing market due to their exotic appearance and thus postharvest techniques are necessary to prolong their shelf life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wax and salicylic acid (1 mM) in reducing chilling injury and increase the vase life in stems of Heliconia wagneriana stored at low temperature. For that, 120 stems were harvested in a commercial area. From these, 60 stems were waxed and air-dried; while 60 unwaxed stems served as controls. Then 2 groups of 48 stems from both treated and control were cold-stored at 13 °C and 84 % RH for 5 and 10 days. After storage, the stems were placed either in salicylic acid solution (1 mM) or tap water. The remaining stems (12 waxed and 12 control) were kept at room temperature. The variables evaluated were anatomical characteristics, fresh weight loss, solution uptake, vase life, enzymatic activity (polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase), and membrane integrity. The wax coating maintained the fresh weight and extended the vase life of the stored stems under room temperature for up to 2 more days. The vase life of the cold-stored stems of 5 and 10 days was extended by 3 and 2 more days respectively, as compared to the control. No significant effect was observed for the use of salicylic acid (1 mM). The bracts tissue of the waxed stems showed lower enzymatic activity, reflected in lower oxidative stress compared to the control. Tropical species as heliconia present a very low water absorption, then the use of wax coating is recommended to preserve the turgidity and shelf life of the stems.

Influence of stress signals on phenotypic characters, rhizome yield and secondary metabolite production of turmeric (Curcuma longa) cv. ‘Pragathi’

Turmeric plants are exposed to a variety of stress signals which influence not only the vegetative growth and yield but also the secondary metabolite production. An exposure study on the stress-induced changes in turmeric morphological characters, biomass production, and phytochemical changes will help to identify useful stress signals under field conditions. This study identifies the influence of stress signals such as salicylic acid, ZnSO4, and cow urine on phenotypic characters, rhizome yield, and secondary metabolite production in ’Pragathi’ variety of turmeric. The present investigation was conducted during June (2019) to January (2020) at Kakkur Panchayath, Kozhikode district, Kerala. One way ANOVA results showed that except for the number of tillers and number of mother rhizomes, all other features showed significant difference in means(P<0.05). Among the various stress signals used, 10% cow urine solution was found to be most effective in promoting the height of the plants and leaf length and 5% cow urine solution was found to be effective in leaf induction. Use of 0.2% Salicylic acid solution was found to be most effective in increasing the production of secondary metabolites like Curcuminoids and Oleoresins. About a 35% increase in the production of Curcuminoids and a 23% increase in the production of Oleoresins were observed in plants treated with 0.2% Salicylic acid solution. The results obtained in the present studies could be used for increasing vegetative growth and secondary metabolite production in turmeric cv. ‘Pragathi’.

The cheapest and surest remedy for bromidrosis pedum

As you know, bromidrosis pedum is a painful and, to a certain extent, antisocial suffering. The piercing smell disgusts everyone around, and affects the wearer himself in the most depressing way. A lot of remedies have been proposed against this suffering, ranging from ointments (ung. Diachylon Hebrae, ung. Formalini) and drying powders with ac. Salicyl., Talc, tannoform, amsvoform, bismal, vismertose, dimal to strong solutions of lapis (10%), resorcinol and salicylic acid (5%) alcoholic solutions, formalin solutions (10% and higher) and chromic acid (5 / v). All these means, as well as the observance of hygienic rules (frequent change of linen and stockings, frequent warm baths with formalin soap, etc.) are very useful in their own way, but, admittedly, they are often very little valid. They are quite troublesome, they require repeated visits to the doctor, etc.

Variations in essential oil production and antioxidant system of Ocimum gratissimum after elicitation

Ocimum gratissimum L. is appreciated for its condiment and medicinal properties. Its essential oil has antifungal and antioxidant activity, being valuable for pharmaceutical and commercial applications. However, plants usually do not produce a large amount of essential oil. In this sense, studies have been conducted to shown that it is possible to increase essential oil synthesis through elicitation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to use the elicitor Salicylic acid (SA) on O. gratissimum to enhance its essential oil production. Plants were subjected to elicitation treatment with SA solutions of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM. Fresh leaves were used for essential oil extraction after 10 days of elicitation, and antioxidant system analysis was performed throughout this period. Elicitation with SA promoted an increase in the percentage content of O. gratissimum essential oil by 39.8% compared to control plants. An increase of 4.2% in eugenol, its major compound, was also observed. Additionally, changes in signaling defense response were detected in elicited plants. There was an increase in enzymes activity, Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase, and also the content of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were higher in elicited plants. Therefore, the elicitation with SA influenced O. gratissimum antioxidant system and its essential oil production.