Effects of foliar applications of nitric oxide and spermidine on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activities of citrus seedlings under salinity stress

Abstract

The effects of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as nitric oxide donor, and spermidine (Spd) on growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Bakraii seedlings (Citrus reticulata × Citrus limetta) were studied under NaCl stress. In citrus plants, SNP- and Spd-induced growth improvement was found to be associated with reduced electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide content, and leaf Na+ and Cl– concentration. However, we found increased leaf Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ concentrations, relative water content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, as well as higher photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate under saline regime. Foliar application of SNP and Spd alone mitigated the adverse effect of salinity, while the combined application proved to be even more effective.