Physiochemical Responses of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Subjected to Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Salinity and Exogenous Salicylic Acid Application

Abstract

Soil salinity is one of the ecological problems limiting plant growth and development, especially in semi-arid and arid regions where water availability is very limited. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae) is known for its sweetness and non-caloric products (steviol glycosides). It can be considered as a\xa0plant for the future sugar industry and human health nutrition. The present work aims to study the modulation of salt stress (NaCl: 80\u202fmM) effects on Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plants by an exogenous application of salicylic acid (0\u202fmM, 0.1\u202fmM and 0.5\u202fmM). The results obtained show that saline stress influences the growth and development of the plant through several metabolism aspects. The exogenous application of salicylic acid to plants subjected to saline stress has improved plant biomass, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance, antioxidant enzyme activity, MDA content and electrolyte leakage. All these results show a\xa0potential role of salicylic acid in strengthening tolerance mechanisms and mitigating physiological and biochemical damage caused by saline stress on Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant.