Effect of Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid on Enhancing Salinity Tolerance in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Foliar application of salicylic acid for enhancing salinity tolerance
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Authors
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Anny Mrudhula K
Saline Water Scheme, ANGRAU, Bapatla-522101, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Madhu Vani P
Saline Water Scheme, ANGRAU, Bapatla-522101, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Sunil Kumar M
Geospatial Technical Centre, ANGRAU, Lam, Guntur-522101, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Suvarna Latha A
Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Bapatla-522101, Andhra Pradesh, India
Keywords:
Anti–oxidant activity, Carotenoids, Chlorophyll, Proline, Salinity, Salicylic acidAbstract
Salinity represents a major abiotic constraint that adversely affects crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Under saline conditions, plant growth and development are primarily hindered by physiological drought, ionic toxicity resulting from excessive accumulation of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl ions, and singlet oxygen within chloroplasts, mitochondria, and the apoplastic space. To address the impact of salinity stress, a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2023, 2024, and 2025 at a farmer’s field in Kakarlamoodi village. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of foliar application of salicylic acid in enhancing salinity tolerance in sorghum. The study was structured using a randomized block design comprising six treatments, each replicated four times. Five concentrations of salicylic acid (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg L-¹) were applied, along with a control treatment. The results demonstrated that the 250 mg L-¹ salicylic acid treatment significantly improved grain yield (5729, 6235 and 6300 kg ha-¹), whereas the lowest yield was recorded under the control treatment. In addition to yield enhancement, the highest values for total chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, protein concentration, and potassium accumulation in both grain and straw were observed with the 250 mg L-1 foliar application, indicating its effectiveness in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity.
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Journal of Soil Salinity and Water Quality serves as an official organ of the Indian Society of Soil Salinity and Water Quality (ISSSWQ) for the publication of research papers, reviews, and short communications as per the constitution and by-laws of the society. Soft and hard copy of the journal are sent free to all its members. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent court and forums in Kamal only. The society does not assume any responsibility for opinion by the authors in the articles and no-material in any form can be reproduced without the prior permission of the society. The society is not responsible for any delay, whatsoever, in publication/ delivery of the periodicals to the subscribers due to unforeseen circumstances or postal delay. The society does not vouch for any claims made by the advertisers of products and services. The publisher and the editors shall not be held liable for any consequences in the event of such claim not being honoured by the advertisers.
