Comparative effects of various salicylic acid derivatives on key growth parameters and some enzyme activities in salinity stressed maize (Zea mays L.) plants

Salicylic acid, 5-Sulfo Salicylic acid and Acetylsalicylic acid are Salicylic acid derivatives. They differ in their substitution on the benzene ring and may have different effects on plant membranes. The effects of the derivatives of various Salicylic Acid [Salicylic acid (SA), 5-Sulfo Salicylic Acid (SSA) and Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)] on antioxidant enzyme activities, mineral element uptake, growth and some stress related parameters of maize (Zea trays L. cv. DK 684) plant grown in containers under salinity stress were investigated. Salicylic acid were applied by foliar treatments at five days interval. Treatments were: 1-) control, 2-) salt treatment 125 mM NaCl, 3-)125 mM NaCl + 1 mM Salicylic Acid, 4-)125 mM NaCI + 1 mM Sulfo Salicylic Acid, 5-)125 mM NaCl + 1 mM Acetylsalicylic Acid, 6-) 125 mM NaCl + 2 mM Salicylic Acid, 7-) 125 mM NaCl + 2 mM Sulfo Salicylic Acid and 8-) 125 mM NaCl + 2 mM Acetylsalicylic Acid. Salt treatment reduced the plant growth, chlorophyll content, relative water content and ear of corn weight, but increased antioxidative enzymes and membrane permeability. Besides compared with the control group, nutrient uptakes of leaves and roots were inhibited by salt treatment. Tested parameters were generally positively affected by the applications of the salicylic acid derivatives compared to the salt treatment. For example, total chlorophyll, shoot dry matter, relative water content and ear of corn weight were ameliorated by 1 and 2 mM SSA, 1 mM ASA and 1 mM SSA treatments. The macro and micro element content of leaves and roots were generally increased by salicylic acid treatments compared to the salt treatment. Salicylic acid application seems to be more effective in the element uptakes than other ones. Salicylic acid treatments decreased antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the salt treatment. The data clearly shows that, the various derivatives of salicylic acid could protect mai z e plant from the detrimental effects of salt stress by improving physiological parameters tested such as relative water content, membrane permeability and nutrient status of plant.