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Influence of foliar-applied salicylic acid on growth, gas-exchange characteristics, and chlorophyll fluorescence in citrus under saline conditions

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Photosynthetica

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) is a common, plant-produced signal molecule that is responsible for inducing tolerance to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses. Our experiment was therefore conducted to test whether the application of SA at various concentrations (0, 0.10, 0.50, and 1.00 mM) as a foliar spray would protect citrus seedlings (Valencia orange/Bakraii) subjected to salt stress (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM NaCl). Growth parameters, leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, relative water content (RWC), maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and gas-exchange variables were negatively affected by salinity. In addition, leaf electrolyte leakage (EL) and proline content increased by salinity treatments. Application of SA increased net photosynthetic rate and proline content in salt stressed plants and may have contributed to the enhanced growth parameters. SA treated plants had greater Chl content and RWC compared with untreated plants when exposed to salt stress. Fv/Fm ratio and stomatal conductance were also significantly higher in SA treated plants under saline stress conditions. SA application reduced EL compared to untreated plants, indicating possible protection of integrity of the cellular membrane. It appeared that the best ameliorative remedies of SA were obtained when Valencia orange/Bakraii seedlings were sprayed by 0.50 and 1.00 mM solutions. Overall, the adverse effects of salt stress could be alleviated by exogenous application of SA.

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Abbreviations

ABA:

abscisic acid

ACC:

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid

C a :

atmospheric CO2 concentration

Chl:

chlorophyll

DM:

dry mass

EC:

electrical conductivity

EL:

electrolyte leakage

F0 :

minimal fluorescence yield at the dark-adapted state

FM:

fresh mass

Fm :

maximal fluorescence yield at the dark-adapted state

Fv/Fm :

maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII

g s :

stomatal conductance

IAA:

indole-3-acetic acid

LA:

total leaf area

LN:

number of leaves per plant

PC:

proline content

P N :

net photosynthetic rate

RH:

relative humidity

ROS:

reactive oxygen species

RWC:

relative water content

S:

salinity stress

SA:

salicylic acid

TDM:

total plant dry mass

TM:

turgid mass

VOB:

Valencia orange/Bakraii

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, University of Urmia, West Azarbaijan, Iran

    D. Khoshbakht & M. R. Asgharei

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  1. D. Khoshbakht
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  2. M. R. Asgharei
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Correspondence to D. Khoshbakht.

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Acknowledgements: We would like to thank to the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Urmia, for financial support of the research.

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Khoshbakht, D., Asgharei, M.R. Influence of foliar-applied salicylic acid on growth, gas-exchange characteristics, and chlorophyll fluorescence in citrus under saline conditions. Photosynthetica 53, 410–418 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-015-0109-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-015-0109-2

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