Effect of Foliar Application of Proline on Photosynthetic Attributes, Osmolyte and Ion Homeostasis in Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) under Salt Stress

Abstract

Soil salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that hamper plant growth and development. Foliar application of proline mitigates the detrimental effect of salt stress in plants. The effect of proline on salt-induced inhibitory effects in the jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) plant was investigated. The experiment consisted of four treatments: control, proline, salt stress, and salt stress + proline. Salt stress significantly reduced growth, biomass accumulation, leaf area, stress tolerance index (%), photosynthetic pigments, SPAD value and K+/Na+ ratio in jute plants. Consequently, salt stress increased lipid peroxidation and proline content. Exogenous application of proline lessened the reduction of growth, leaf area, stress tolerance index (%), photosynthetic pigments, SPAD value and K+/Na+ ratio in jute plants. Proline also increased oxidative stress tolerance by increasing proline accumulation and reducing lipid peroxidation in jute plants. The present study suggests that proline comprehensively alleviates the detrimental effects of salt stress on jute plants.