Effects of penconazole on hormonal crosstalk and fatty acids from salt-stressed safflower

Salinity of soil is a major abiotic stress limiting the crop production and growth of safflower. To mitigate stress, the effects of penconazole (PEN) on the growth of safflower were studied to understand the underlying mechanisms of salt tolerance. PEN, a triazole derivative, which has both fungicidal and plant growth regulator properties, protects plants from several types of abiotic stresses. The purpose of this work was to assess the effect of sodium chloride (0, 100, and 200 mM) and PEN (15 mg/L) on some biochemical responses of safflower. Results revealed that salicylic acid (SA) content increased under salinity while indol- 3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA) contents decreased. Further, in terms of fatty acids, palmitic and oleic acids contents decreased while stearic, linoleic, and linolenic acids contents increased under salinity. Exogenous PEN had a positive effect on SA and GA contents as well as palmitic and stearic acids content, but it decreased IAA, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid contents in safflower plants. Safflower is a viable alternative for use in rotations where saline irrigation water limits productivity of non-tolerant crops. Our data provided new insights into mechanisms that help regulate salinity resistance in safflower. PEN may be considered as foliar application to ameliorate salinity effects due to its low price and availability.