Role of chitosan on the growth, physiological parameters and enzymatic activity of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) in a pot experiment

This study was carried out in a greenhouse located at the University of Tehran, in 2016. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan application on modification of adverse effects of soil salinity on growth and physiological characteristics of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.). A pot experiment with a factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted based on a randomized complete block design (RCB) with three replications Four irrigation water salinity levels were control (tap water 0.8), 4, 8 and 12 dS/m and four levels of chitosan were mixed with dry soil to yield 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1% chitosan (DW/DW). The results showed that salinity reduced root dry weight; shoot dry weight, total plant biomass, and increased soluble sugars, proline content, CAT spell out first use and POD spell out first use enzyme activity and H2O2 concentration in leaves. The use of chitosan led to a reduction of salinity adverse effects and increased plant growth and improved physiological traits. Chitosan application at 0.01% increased chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll and at 0.05% level increased chlorophyll b compared to other chitosan treatments. The highest concentration of soluble sugars and proline was achieved by chitosan application across all salinity levels. Chitosan application under 0.01 and 0.05% enhanced the enzymatic activity and decreased H2O2 concentration in leaves. The results illustrated that chitosan could protect plants from salt stress damage...
Source: Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research