Comparison between salicylic acid and selenium effect on growth and biochemical composition of celery

Abstract

Background and Objective: Salicylic acid (SALA) and Selenium (Se) play important roles in physiological process in celery (Apium graveolens L.). Celery has different medical and biological properties. In this study, the Influence of SALA or Se on growth and chemical composition of celery plants were investigated at vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages. Materials and Methods: Celery plants treated with SALA or Se was applied to foliage at 10 or 20 mg LG1 compared with an untreated control. Plant height, vegetative fresh and dry weights and contents of essential oils composition, photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates, soluble sugars and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POX) were measured. The averages of data were analyzed using 2-ways analysis of variance. Results: The SALA and Se significantly affected the growth and yield of celery crop. Treatment of 20 mg LG1 SALA produced the best growth and the highest chemical contents during the flowering stage. Conclusion: The SALA and Se resulted in significant changes on growth, yield and chemical constituents of celery crop.