Effects of salicylic acid on hormonal cross talk, fatty acids profile, and ions homeostasis from salt-stressed safflower

It has been shown that salicylic acid (SA) acts as an endogenous signal molecule responsible for inducing stress tolerance. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of sodium chloride (0, 100, and 200 mM) and exogenous SA (1 mM) on some biochemical and molecular responses of safflower. Results revealed that K+, Ca2+, indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), and gibberellic acid (GA) contents decreased under salinity however, Na+ content, and SOS1 and NHX1 genes expression increased. Further, palmitic and oleic acids contents decreased, while stearic, linoleic, and linolenic acids content increased under salinity. Exogenous SA had a positive effect on K+, Ca2+, IAA, and GA contents, but decreased Na+ content. In addition, SA induced expression of SOS1 and NHX1 genes in all plants. Our data indicate that SA helps safflower to better cope with salinity. The results provide new insights to mechanisms that help regulate salinity resistance in safflower. SA may be considered as a foliar application to ameliorate salinity effects, due to its low price and availability.