Improved salinity tolerance in early growth stage of maize through salicylic acid foliar application

Soil salinity threatens agricultural production worldwide by constraining plant growth and final crop yield. The early stages are most sensitive to salinity, in response which salicylic acid (SA) has demonstrated beneficial effects various species. Based on this, a maize (Zea mays L.) pot experiment was set up combining three levels of soil (0, 6 12 dS m–1), obtained through NaCl addition, with SA 300 600 mM), applied leaf spraying 20 days after seedling emergence. Fifteen later, the following traits were assessed: morphology (plant height, number), (root shoot dry weight), water status [relative content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL)], pigments (chlorophyll b, carotenoids, anthocyanin), antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, vitamin C), oxidative stress markers (H2O2, malondialdehyde), osmo-regulating compounds (free amino acids, soluble proteins sugars, proline), hormones [indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic (GA), abscisic (ABA), ethylene], element (Na, K, Ca, Mg Cl) concentration roots, stem leaves. Salinity severely affected (–26% total impaired (–31% RWC), reduced photosynthetic pigments, enhanced all markers, two (soluble sugars proline) out four, except GA. shown effective containing effects, while supporting defences upgrading activities (reduced markers), increasing cell membrane stability (–24% EL) (+20% reducing signalling (–10% ABA -20% ethylene). Above all, contrasted massive entry noxious ions (Na+ Cl–), favour K+, Ca2+ Mg2+ accumulation. Lastly, for physiology also under non-saline condition, suggesting potential use normal field conditions.
 Highlights - Foliar alleviated at stage. Salicylic improved status, chlorophyll content, strengthened anti-oxidant salinity. enhancing hormonal responses hampered Na Cl translocation above ground organs, preserving integrity. conditions.