EFFECTS OF METHYL JASMONATE TREATMENT ON ALLEVIATION OF CADMIUM DAMAGES IN SOYBEAN

In the present study, the interactive effects of methyl jasmonate (0, 0.01, and 0.1 mM) and cadmium chloride (0 and 500 M) on growth, biochemical, and physiological parameters of soybean plants were investigated. The plants were first treated with methyl jasmonate and then exposed to cadmium stress. Cadmium reduced shoot dry weight and total chlorophyll contents and increased lipid peroxidation in leaves. Methyl jasmonate, especially at a lower level (0.01 mM), significantly alleviated the cadmium damage to shoot dry weight and total chlorophyll contents and also, reduced lipid peroxidation. The increase in catalase and polyphenol oxidase activities were also observed under cadmium stress. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase was enhanced by methyl jasmonate under no stress and cadmium stress. However, peroxidase activity increased under no stress conditions. Based on our results it could be concluded that the application of methyl jasmonate caused significant alleviation of cadmium damages to soybean plants.