Salicylic acid induced amelioration of salinity stress in mungbean

Salinity stress decreased the growth of mungbean in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area. However, treatment with SA increased the growth parameters under salinity stress. Application of SA improved the plant water status irrespective of salinity levels. Higher concentration of SA was more effective to brought consecutive improvement in gaseous exchange under salinity. Membrane injury and lipid peroxidation enhanced under salinity stress but salicylic acid application increased the membrane stability and decreased MDA production. Biochemical metabolites i.e. chlorophyll and protein content declined under salinity stress. Exogenous SA application increased free proline, total soluble carbohydrates and free amino acids under salinity. The ionic composition i.e. Na+, Cl- and SO4- increased but decline in K+ content in leaves under salinity stress. Salicylic acid reversed the accumulation trend under stressed condition. Salicylic acid improved the yield and its attributes by maintaining plants water status and various physiological and biochemical processes.