Effect of 24-epibrassinolide on salinity-induced changes in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl)

This study was carried out to investigate the role of 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) in inducing loquat plant salt tolerance. Plants were treated with five levels of salt, so that the electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.5 (control), 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m(-1) was established in pots. Then, the plants were sprayed with different concentrations of 24-EBL (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg l(-1)). Under salt stress, the plant growth parameters and chlorophyll content decreased, while the total soluble sugars and proline contents considerably increased. However, the application of 24-EBL significantly ameliorated the plant growth by reducing the adverse effects of salinity on the examined parameters. The ion concentrations showed an increase in accumulation of Na+ and Cl-coupled with a decrease in K+ with increasing salinity in medium. Exogenous application of 24-EBL had a significant effect on leaf Na+, K+, Cl-contents. Out of different 24-EBL concentrations, the effects of 0.5 mg l(-1) proved the best under stress conditions.