EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR AFFECTING THE EXOGENOUS SALICYLIC ACID ON DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN MAIZE IN IRAN

Abstract

In a previous work, it was shown that 5.5 mM salicylic acid (SA) added to corn hydroponic solution increased its tolerance to low temperature stress. The effect of SA and cold treatments on the polyamine content in leaves was investigated using HPLC method. Both 0.5 mm SA and cold treatment significantly increased putrescine content. Spermidine increased only when it increased in addition to temperature stress. Sperm content decreased after both SA and low temperature treatments. The parallel use of 0.5 mM SA and 15 mM PEG significantly increased electrolyte leakage and decreased the specific photosynthetic parameters in maize and wheat. It is concluded that 0.5 mm SA pretreatment, which enhances cold tolerance, increases susceptibility to drought. The experiments were conducted at the Azad University of Firuzabad.