Salt stress can be alleviated through the application of salicylic acid

26 Aug 2024
584

Salinity stress has an impact on more than 7% of dryland agriculture and more than 30% of irrigated crops worldwide. Normal plant growth and development are affected by high concentrations of salt ions, particularly sodium (Na+). This leads to both biochemical and physiological changes in various tissues, which in turn lead to agricultural losses and significant deterioration of plant ecosystems.

Most plants are not tolerant to salinity and are gradually more susceptible as salt concentrations increase. Salinity has a substantial impact on photosynthesis, which in turn directly affects the plants' ability to assimilate carbon and decreases organic matter production. Salicylic acid is a key phytohormone in the regulation of numerous biochemical and physiological processes in plants.

It has been reported to be used in the cultivation of plants, contributing to their ability to resist adverse environmental stressors, including salinity, dehydration, heat, and osmotic stress. The investigation conducted at Shanghai Jiao Tong University evaluated the efficacy of salicylic acid in mitigating the damaging effects of salt stress on cherry rootstocks and studied the molecular mechanisms behind the applications of this phytohormone.

These results can serve as a theoretical basis for the cultivation of cherries in salinised soil. Two-month-old cherry seedlings (cv. Gisela 6) were maintained in a greenhouse at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, with an 8-hour dark/16-hour light cycle and a temperature of 23 ± 2 °C.

The morphology of the cherry rootstocks was observed under salt stress conditions, independent of salicylic acid application. The salinity resistance of cherry rootstocks was generally improved by the application of an appropriate dose of the hormone under study. Some leaves started to yellow in the leaf margins already after four days after treatment.

As the experiment was extended, the impact of the salt stress maintained an upward trajectory. The basal foliage of the plants in the salt-stressed group had yellowed or fallen at 16 days from the start of the treatment. The cherry rootstock seedlings in the mitigation treatment with salicylic acid showed comparatively superior growth, with only a few yellow spots appearing after 16 days.

A portable photosynthesis instrument was used to measure a number of photosynthetic parameters in order to understand the impact of salt stress on plant growth. Under salt stress conditions, the plants showed a substantially lower rate of photosynthesis compared to the control ones.

Salicylic acid spraying also prevented the decrease in photosynthesis. In summary, the ability to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress on cherry rootstock through the administration of a 1 M salicylic acid solution by foliar spraying was demonstrated.

This treatment demonstrated a number of beneficial effects, such as regulation of the expression of genes associated with phytohormone metabolism and stress-related transcription factors, alleviation of osmotic stress caused by Na+ toxicity, improvement of photochemical efficiency (resulting in increased net photosynthetic rate), and enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity to mitigate oxidant-induced damage.

The efficacy of the application of salicylic acid as a valid strategy to improve the salinity tolerance of cherry rootstocks is strongly supported by these results.

Source: Xu, J., Xu, Y., Wang, Y. et al. Exogenous Salicylic Acid Improves Photosynthetic and Antioxidant Capacities and Alleviates Adverse Effects of Cherry Rootstocks Under Salt Stress. J Plant Growth Regul 43, 1428–1446 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-023-11195-6.
Image: SL Fruit Service


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

High-density cherry tree training systems compared: a 3-year study from Turkey

Tech management

07 Apr 2025

Discover the 3-year Turkish study comparing cherry tree training systems (UFO, KGB, TSA, SSA, VC). Results highlight yield, pruning time, and labor efficiency, making modern high-density systems more effective than traditional methods in cherry production.

Netherlands gets first greenhouse-grown cherries from Spain

Markets

12 Apr 2024

"Cherries are scarce from week 12 to week 17, during which they are not available worldwide," says Lucien Ruiter of Van Ooijen Citrus in Ridderkerk. "Greenhouse cherries from our Spanish supplier fill this gap."

In evidenza

South African cherries on the rise: new varieties and innovative systems

Production

30 May 2025

In South Africa, sweet cherries are expanding thanks to low-chill varieties and innovative growing systems. Dutoit leads development with high-efficiency orchards, varietal research, and farming techniques tailored to the country's diverse microclimates.

Cherry exports to China: a promising but complex challenge for Jerte

Markets

30 May 2025

The opening of the Chinese market to Jerte cherries marks a new chapter for Spain's cherry sector, but brings complex export protocols. José Antonio Tierno stresses the need for caution, as past experiences with other fruits haven’t always delivered sustainable outcomes.

Tag Popolari