PJB-2023-281
Morpho-physiological and biochemical effect of salicylic acid on roots of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under salt stress
Bouras Djahida Amel and Amouri Adel Amar
Abstract
Legumes, such as faba beans, represent an important source of protein for human and animal nutrition. They also provide excellent natural soil fertilization through the symbiotic fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Growth and development of Vicia faba L. can be limited by salinity, the major abiotic stress that affects crop yield, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. Our study aims to demonstrate the long-term effect of the short-term salicylic acid seed treatment in two contrasting ecotypes of Vicia faba L. to mitigate the negative effect of salt stress.
Seed imbibition was applied with 0,25mM of SA at the early stage of germination, followed by100mM of NaCl until the flowering stage. Root length and some physiological and biochemical parameters are measured.
Salinity decreased root length, fresh and dry weight, and water content in roots of both faba bean ecotypes and increased non-enzymatic antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonoids) and proline accumulation. Interestingly, Lower levels of growth parameters under salinity were observed in “Nasmot” ecotype compared to “Tamelahet” ecotype.
The two ecotypes showed distinct responses to the exogenous SA Under salt conditions, the treatment enhanced the defense system of Nasmot by increasing proline content, polyphenols, and flavonoid concentration; it also increased FW, DW, and TWC. On the other hand, SA decreased all variables in Tamelahet, with the exception of increasing fresh and dry root weight.
Overall, salicylic acid can be recommended to develop tolerance in plants that show sensitivity to saline conditions
To Cite this article:
Amel, B.D. and A.A. Amar. 2025. Morpho-physiological and biochemical effect of salicylic acid on roots of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under salt stress. Pak. J. Bot., 57(1): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-1(11)
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