Improving some morphophysiological characteristics and grain yield of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.) under cold stress with salicylic acid treatment in greenhouse conditions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student in Crop Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Prof., Dept. of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22034/saps.2025.60940.3198

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Low temperatures is one of the factors limiting the growth and production of plants. To mitigate the destructive effects of cold stress, the use of salicylic acid can be beneficial.
 
Materials & Methods: Factorial experiment was designed and conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research greenhouse of the Molecular Breeding Center at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. Cold stress was applied at temperature degrees of 25, 8, and 4°C during the rosette stage, followed by salicylic acid spraying with concentrations of 1 and 2 mM, and water spraying a week before the cold stress application. Physiological traits were assessed after cold stress, while morphological traits were evaluated during the flowering stage.
 
Results: The interaction of cold stress and salicylic acid significantly influenced plant height and number of leaves. Chlorophyll content index, number of branches and flowers, fresh weight of flowers, fresh and dry weight of the plant were affected by both cold stress and salicylic acid spraying. The dry weight of inflorescences was altered solely due to cold stress, while the seed yield of purple coneflower was affected by salicylic acid application. Chlorophyll index was measured one week after applying cold stress in the rosette stage and morphological traits in the flowering stage.
 
Conclusion: One effective method to alleviate the impact of chilling stress is the use of salicylic acid. Spraying salicylic acid, particularly at a 2 mM, enhanced the morphological, physiological, and grain yield characteristics of purple coneflower under cold stress.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production
Volume 35, Issue 3
2025
Pages 285-300

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