Effect of Putrescine Foliar Application on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Echium amoenum Seedlings Under Salinity Conditions

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

B. Rahimkhani

M. Naseri

A. Ahmadian

M. Alipanah

Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat Heydarieh, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jhs.2025.91889.1413

Abstract

Introduction
Polyamines are a group of low molecular weight organic compounds with two or more amine groups that are present in almost all living organisms. Polyamines are organic compounds that play a crucial role in various physiological processes in plants, particularly in response to stress. Research has demonstrated that these compounds-primarily putrescine, spermidine, and spermine-are involved in cellular functions such as growth regulation, cell division, and differentiation. Their role in stress responses is complex and varies significantly depending on the plant species and the specific type of stress encountered. The level of polyamines in plants increases under stress conditions, and this increase of polyamines from the plant against salinity by removing free radicals, stabilizing membrane and cell structure, creating cation and anion balance, regulating it protects ion channels. The foliar application of putrescine can significantly improve various physiological traits in plants subjected to salinity stress. By enhancing growth, photosynthetic efficiency, osmotic adjustment and oxidative stress tolerance, putrescine acts as a valuable tool for improving plant resilience under challenging environmental conditions. Echium amoenum is an annual plant of Boraginaceae family and is considered as one of the important medicinal plants in traditional medicine. Blue-violet petals of E. amoenum are used in Iranian traditional medicine as a painkiller, relaxant, invigorator, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. To investigate the impact of putrescine on the morpho-physiological characteristics of Echium amoenum seedlings under salinity stress, a greenhouse experiment was conducted.
 
Materials and Methods
The experimental design was factorial, incorporating two factors: the application of putrescine and salinity stress induced by sodium chloride. This was organized as a completely randomized design. The first factor involved two levels of putrescine (0 and 1.5 mM), while the second factor included three levels of salinity stress (1600, 4000, and 8000 dS.m^-1). Seeds were purchased from Pakaan Seed Company in Isfahan. Selecting high-quality seeds suitable for the growing conditions is crucial for successful plant growth. After soaking, the seeds were transferred to small pots containing a mixture of three parts peat moss and one part perlite. This mixture enhances aeration and moisture retention in the soil, creating an optimal environment for root development. One week after transplanting the seedlings to the main pots, a foliar application of putrescine was performed. Putrescine is a polyamine compound that can enhance plant growth and resilience against stress. This application was repeated every two weeks. One week after the first application of putrescine, salinity stress was introduced. To prevent shock to the plants, the salinity treatment was gradually applied in three stages. This gradual approach helps the plants acclimate to the new conditions. To prevent salt buildup in the soil, leaching with regular water was conducted every two weeks.
 
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that both the individual effects of salinity and putrescine, as well as their interaction, significantly influenced shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, root length, and the overall dry weight of the Iranian borage plants. The application of putrescine enhanced the levels of proline and potassium in the leaves, which mitigated the detrimental effects of salinity stress on the Iranian borage plants. Furthermore, foliar spraying of putrescine increased chlorophyll content, thereby promoting photosynthesis and improving plant growth under saline conditions. Comparative analysis of the average data revealed that the highest dry weight of Iranian borage seedlings (0.6 g), relative leaf water content (85%), chlorophyll a (4 mg.g^-1), and chlorophyll b (1.2 mg.g^-1) were achieved with the combination of putrescine and salinity at 1.6 mm.m^-1. The results underscore the potential of putrescine as a practical strategy for enhancing the growth and resilience of Iranian borage plants under salinity stress. By improving growth parameters such as shoot and root weights, root length, and overall dry weight, as well as enhancing physiological traits like proline and potassium levels, putrescine plays a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity.
 
Conclusion
The foliar application of putrescine at 1.5 mM presents a valuable and practical strategy for managing salinity stress in Iranian borage seedling production. By enhancing photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant properties, putrescine helps the plant maintain its physiological functions and resilience under stress. This approach not only supports the growth and health of Iranian borage but also has implications for improving the quality and yield of its medicinal properties.

Keywords

Chlorophyll

Polyamine

Proline

Stress

Subjects

• Medicinal Plants

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©2024 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

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