SYNERGISTIC APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID AND GIBBERELLIC ACID ON Pisum sativum TO INDUCE SALT TOLERANCE

Salinity reduces plant growth physiological processes and alters vital metabolism of plants. Salicylic acid (SA) is secondary metabolites secreted by plant worked as signal molecule as well as growth regulator that releases the hostile impact of salinity on Pisum sativum L. a salt-sensitive plant. This study was conducted to explore the hormonal crosstalk of salicylic acid and gibberallic acid synergistically to improve germination, growth, relative water content, and chlorophyll content, proline content under 50, 100 and 150mM NaCl conditions. The result showed reduced growth rate, dry weight, decreased photosynthetic pigments, alteration in nutritional contents under 50 and 100mM NaCl level of salinity. Presoaking treatment of SA efficiently improved the growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and nutritional value of plants. However, at higher salinity levels i.e. at 150 mM NaCl salinity condition, there was no noteworthy difference in terms of growth and other physiological responses were observed. It was also found that GA alone also found efficient up-to some extent of salinity but not much as SA. Interestingly, combined treatment of SA and GA profoundly improved all the growth parameters, improving photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient adjustment and accumulation of proline. Therefore, our research put forward that combined application of SA and GA can meritoriously neutralize the adverse effect of moderate saline conditions on growth and development of leguminous plant. But much more study is required to uncover the various pathways/ approach involved to induce tolerance salinity.