Effects of cinnamic acid on the physiological characteristics of cucumber seedlings under salt stress

Abstract

Effects of cinnamic acid on the physiolo gical characteristics of cucumber (Shandong Mici) seedlings under salt stress were studied, and the best concentration and treatment time were ascertained. The results showed that cinnamic acid relatively increased the leaf relative water content and the chlorophyll content, decreased plasma membrane permeability, mitigated membrane damage, inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde (product of membrane lipid peroxidation), and promoted the activity of membrane protective enzymes such as super oxide dismutase and peroxidase, therefore improving the adaptabilities of cucumber to salt stress. It is concluded that the best treatment time of cinnamic acid is in the two euphylla period, and the best treatment concentration of cinnamic acid is 50 μmol/L.

Key words： salt stress; cucumber; cinnamic acid; physiological characteristics

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Research Leader Candidate Foundation of Harbin City (No. 2004AFXJ052).

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