Effect of foliar spray of sodium nitroprusside (nitric oxide donor) on growth parameters, total chlorophyll content, iron content and antioxidant enzymes activity in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under iron deficiency stress

In this study, the effect of foliar spray of sodium nitroprusside (100 μM) as a nitric oxide donor on iron deficiency stress alleviation in cucumber plant was investigated. The results indicated that iron deficiency stress reduced growth parameters, total chlorophyll content, Fe content and antioxidant enzymes activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase as well as guaiacol peroxidase. Sodium nitroprusside foliar spray resulted in improvement of growth parameters, total chlorophyll content, Fe content and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, these results support the biological function of nitric oxide to improve iron availability and damage caused by its deficiency.