The effect of salicylic acid on cell membranes stability of Maize plants

Salicylic acid, a lipophilic phenolic acid, and a plant hormone have important roles in growth and development, some physiological process and endogenous signaling of plants. Plant cell membranes act as a boundary and have a pivotal function in providing structural integrity of cells.The objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of salicylic acid treatment on cell membranes stability of Maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The seedlings were sprayed at concentrations of 0 or 2 mM for one week. The result showed that salicylic acid treatment increased significantly membrane stability. Data, also, showed that the effect of salicylic acid spray on maize plants markedly decreased membranes lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, considerable differences were not observed in concentrations of hydrogen peroxide between treated and untreated (control) plants. It may be assumed that treating maize plant with salicylic acid improved the stability of cell membranes. Our results suggest that pre-treatment of maize plants with salicylic acid could be used under stress conditions.

Keywords:

Zea mays , Salicylic acid , Cell membrane