Salicylic acid mitigates photosynthetic damage and oxidative stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) induced by combination of mesosulfuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl herbicide
摘要
Wheat, a vital global crop, faces yield losses from weeds, often controlled by herbicides like a combination of mesosulfuron-methyl (C17H21N5O9S2) and iodosulfuron-methyl (C14H14IN5O6S). However, overdosing disrupts photosynthesis via oxidative stress. Salicylic acid (SA) mitigates abiotic stress, but its role in countering herbicide toxicity in wheat remains underexplored. This study evaluates SA’s potential to alleviate herbicide-induced damage in wheat, focusing on chlorophyll fluorescence, pigment content, and photosynthetic efficiency. A greenhouse study (2019–2021) used a factorial design with SA (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) and herbicide doses (0–72 g ai ha−1). Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fo, Fm, Fv/Fm) and pigment content were measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after treatment (DAT). Data from four replicates were analyzed using Duncan’s test and t tests. SA’s protective effects were time dependent, with significant mitigation of herbicide-induced damage (reduced Fo, restored Fv/Fm, increased carotenoids) evident from 3 DAT and peaking at 5–7 DAT. Herbicide doses ≥ 36 g ai ha⁻1 reduced chlorophyll a (17.6%), b (55.9%), and total chlorophyll (29.6%) by 7 DAT, while increasing Fo (28.5% at 72 g ai ha−1). SA (1 mM) reduced Fo by 5.57%, restored Fm (10.12%) and Fv/Fm (27.46%), and increased carotenoids (15.9%) under high herbicide stress. Lowest Fv/Fm (0.562) occurred at 72 g ai ha−1 without SA, but SA reversed this decline. SA pretreatment enhances wheat tolerance to herbicide stress by stabilizing photosystem II efficiency, restoring chlorophyll content, and boosting carotenoid-mediated antioxidant activity.