Ameliorative effects of salicylic acid on mineral concentrations in roots and leaves of two grapevine (<i>Vitis vinifera</i> L.) cultivars under salt stress

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) acts as an endogenous signal molecule, synchronizing plant responses under abiotic stress and a component of tolerance in plants. The current study investigates the effects of SA on mineral nutrient concentrations in two grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars, 'Qarah Shani' and 'Thompson Seedless' under NaCl stress. Grapevine rooted cuttings were planted in pots, containing a mixture of perlite and cocopeat (1:1 v/v) and placed in an open hydroponic system. Plants were exposed to five levels of salinity 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl and four levels of SA 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg∙L^-1. Results indicated that foliar spray with SA improved nutrient uptake by grape roots. Plant’s leaves and roots Na⁺ and Cl^- contents increased significantly, and NO^- ₃-N, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺ and also K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity ratios decreased in both cultivars in response to salt treatments. Application of SA significantly reduced Na⁺ and Cl^- accumulation in leaves and roots in both cultivars and it increased NO₃-N, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ contents under NaCl stress. Therefore, SA could mitigate the detrimental effects of salinity on accumulation of harmful ions and improve the absorption of essential and beneficial elements in grapevine under salinity.