Time and rate of acetate foliar spray can ameliorate adverse effect of NaCl stress on strawberry

Acetyl-CoA is a central metabolic intermediate. It is widely used in macromolecule biosynthesis and energy production to support plant cellular growth. Acetate is a precursor of acetyl - CoA which is used by plant cells. Strawberry plants were subjected to 0 and 40 mM NaCl, and foliar acetic acid at the rate of (0, 1, and 2 mM) at three different times (one week before, simultaneously, and one week after starting of salinity stress application). Salinity stress reduced the strawberry leaf area (67%), plant biomass (27%), total chlorophyll content (44%), and fruit diameter (13%). However acetic acid application ameliorated the adverse effect of NaCl on strawberry plants. Salinity alone reduced plant biomass, whereas the acetate treatment (1 mM) increased it by 6% when used simultaneously with salinity and by 26% when used one week after salinity. This treatment increased proline content and soluble carbohydrate while improving antioxidant defense in fruit tissue, e.g., ascorbic acid, phenol content, and anthocyanin. These data support the idea that adjustment acetic acid application to plant can enhance salinity tolerance. The best concentration of acetic acid was 1 mM which could be optimally used either one week before or simultaneously with salinity stress. (c) 2022 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Acetyl-CoA is an important substance for plant growth and energy production, and acetate acts as a precursor for acetyl-CoA. The application of acetic acid can improve the growth condition of plants under salt stress, increase biomass, and enhance antioxidant defense in fruit tissue.