Zinc application mitigates the adverse effects of NaCl stress on mustard Brassica juncea (L.) Czern Coss through modulating compatible organic solutes, antioxidant enzymes, and flavonoid content

摘要

ABSTRACTThis study examined the protective effect of Zn on salt-stressed Brassica juncea plants using some key morphological and biochemical attributes at different developmental stages (30, 60, and 90 days after treatment DAT). Salt stress (200 mM) caused suppression in plant height, root length, and dry weight by 58.35, 41.15, and 53.33, respectively, at 90 DAT, but Zn application improved these variables by 15.52, 16.59, and 11.45, respectively. Furthermore, 200 mM NaCl decreased total chlorophyll by 45.32 and relative water content by 27.62 at 90 DAT, whereas Zn application compensated the decrease in the levels of both variables. NaCl (200 mM) increased H2O2, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage by 70.48, 35.25, and 68.39, respectively, at 90 DAT, but Zn supplementation appreciably reduced these variables. Except for catalase, enzymatic antioxidant activity increased under NaCl stress. Zn application with salt further increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorb...