Salicylic acid restrains arsenic induced oxidative burst in two varieties of Artemisia annua L. by modulating antioxidant defence system and artemisinin production

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol. 202; p. 110851
• Main Authors: Naeem, M., Sadiq, Yawar, Jahan, Ajmat, Nabi, Aarifa, Aftab, Tariq, Khan, M. Masroor A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Antioxidants; arsenic; Artemisia annua; Heavy metals; Photosynthesis; plant growth regulator; salicylic acid; Antioxidants; Artemisia annua; plant growth regulator; salicylic acid; arsenic; Photosynthesis; Heavy metals
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110851

Arsenic is a harmful and toxic substance to the growth and development of plants. Salicylic acid (SA) acts as a signaling molecule, plays pivotal roles in the overall growth and development of plants under various environmental stresses. Artemisinin extracted from the leaves of A. annua helps in malarial treatment. The present investigation is aimed to find out the possible ameliorative role of exogenously-applied salicylic acid (SA) on two varieties of Artemisia annua L., namely ‘CIM-Arogya’ and ‘Jeevan Raksha’ under arsenic (As) stress conditions. For this, growth, physiological and biochemical characterization, and artemisinin production was assessed. The various treatments applied on the plants were Control, 10−6 M SA, 10−5 M SA, 45 mg kg−1As, 45 mg kg−1 As + 10−6 M SA, and 45 mg kg−1 As + 10−5 M SA. Arsenic at 45 mg kg−1 of soil, reducing the overall performance of both varieties at 90 and 120 DAP. However, the levels of antioxidants were enhanced in As-stressed plants, and the supplementation of SA further increased these antioxidants in SA-treated plants. It has been observed that minimum reduction in growth and yield occurs with enhanced production of artemisinin in the case of ‘CIM-Arogya’ compared to ‘Jeevan Raksha’ under As stress (45 mg kg−1 of soil). Leaf-applied SA significantly increased the content (49.0% & 43.4%) and yield (53.3% & 46.3%) of artemisinin in both tolerant and sensitive varieties as compared to their respective controls. Thus, the variety ‘CIM-Arogya’ showed tolerant behavior over ‘Jeevan Raksha’ and is much adapted to higher As stress. [Display omitted] •Salicylic acid ameliorated As stress in both the varieties of Artemisia annua L.•Arsenic stress at 45 mg kg−1 of soil proved most deleterious to both varieties.•Artemisinin was found maximum in ‘CIM-Arogya’ over ‘Jeevan Raksha’ under As stress.•Variety ‘CIM-Arogya’ showed tolerant behavior over ‘Jeevan Raksha’ under As stress.