Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 1
Written by Tina Oana CRISTEA, Gabriel-Alin IOSOB, Creola BREZEANU, Petre Marian BREZEANU, Claudia BĂLĂIȚĂ, Mariana CALARA, Dan Ioan AVASILOAIEI
Abiotic stress, particularly in climate-sensitive crops like Capsicum annuum L., severely impacts crop productivity. Understanding the mechanisms through which plants can mitigate these stresses is key to developing more resilient crop varieties for the future. Salicylic acid is a plant hormone known for its role in regulating plant growth and enhancing resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Thus, this study focuses on elucidating the dose-dependent effects of exogenous SA application on physiological, biochemical, and morphogenetic responses of pepper explants cultivated in vitro. The findings revealed a dose-dependent effect of SA, where lower concentrations significantly enhanced seed germination rates, shoot initiation and elongation while promoting robust root development. It also increased the total phenolic and chlorophyll content, suggesting an activation of defense mechanisms and improved photosynthetic efficiency.
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