EFFECT OF SALICYLIC ACID ON CABBAGE (BRASSICA OLERACEA VAR. CAPITATA) GROWN UNDER SALINITY STRESS

The effects of salicylic acid (SA) on growth and metabolism of Brassica oleracea var. Capitata under salt stress was studied in a hydroponic culture. NaCl at 50 mM concentration and SA at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5mM concentrations were used as treatments. The results showed that salt exhibited inhibitory effects on shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, and RWC of the seedlings. NaCl at 50 mM concentration significantly decreased the photosynthetic pigments and protein content and nitrate reductase activity. Sugar and proline content was significantly increased under the influence of salinity. The antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities significantly increased under salinity due to oxidative damage. Graded concentrations of SA played protective role against the salt stress. SA significantly ameliorates the oxidative stress caused by NaCl.