Exogenous application of citric acid alleviates copper-induced stress in Withania coagulans (Dunal)

The current study aimed to determine the mitigating effect of citric acid (CA) on various physiological and biochemical attributes in Withania coagulans, exposed copper (Cu) stress. viable seeds coagulans were planted a controlled environment. After reaching four-leaf stage, plants given simultaneous treatment with two concentrations Cu [TCu1 TCu2 (10mM, 15mM)] alone and/or CA [TCa1 TCa2 (05mM, 10mM)]. harvesting, characteristics assessed. findings demonstrated that using higher dosage has significant toxic effects plant growth biomass. agronomic significantly reduced by 24% (number leaves), 22% (shoot length), 7% (root 8% (fresh weight), 38% (dry weight) compared control. Higher concentration was also found photosynthetic pigments 27% (chl a), 6% b), 35% (carotenoids) However, application under stress improved coagulans. plant's traits increased 66% 31% 87% 43% 78% whereas 25% 58% 125% (carotenoids). Based results, it could be concluded can play role