Efficacy of brassinosteroid analogues in the mitigation of toxic effects of salt stress in Brassica juncea plants

Aim: Brassinosteroids have been recognized as sixth class of phytohormones which have the ability to confer tolerance against salinity stress. Brassinosteroids were applied through foliar spray on mustard plant under natural condition; as well as under stress. Methodology: Analogues of Brassinosteroids (28-homobrassinolide, 24-epibrassinolide) were applied to the foliage of non-stressed and salinity stressed mustard plant under natural condition. Brassinosteroids neutralized the ill effect generated by NaCl. Presence of NaCl in soil significantly decreased most of parameters. Results: The results showed that the presence of NaCl in soil significantly decreased most of the parameters in concentration dependent manner. Whereas, out of the two brassinosteroid analogues, 24-epibrassinolide excelled over 28-homobrassinolide and neutralized the ill effects generated by NaCl. Interpretation: It can be inferred from the observations that brassinosteroids (in particular 24-epibrassinolide) can be used as an effective tool in the amelioration of salt stress.