Sustainable approaches to alleviate salinity stress in two fenugreek cultivars through moringa leaf extract and salicylic acid

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that impairs plant growth and yield. This study investigates the effects of salicylic acid (SA) and moringa leaf extract (MLE) on the morpho-physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of two fenugreek (Trigonella corniculata.) cultivars, ‘Kasuri methi’ and ‘Haiderabadi methi’ under salt (NaCl) stress. Salt stress (100 mM NaCl) and Salicylic acid (0.5 mM) were applied via irrigation, while MLE was applied exogenously as a foliar treatment alone and in combination to 30-day-old plants, Salt stress significantly reduced plant growth, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll content compared to controls. SA and MLE improved these attributes, with MLE showing more improvement in growth. The highest growth and chlorophyll content were observed in plants treated with both SA and MLE. Salt stress also increased electrolyte leakage and Na⁺ accumulation, leading to higher antioxidant (SOD, POD, CAT) activity in stressed plants. Both MLE and SA reduced electrolyte leakage and Na⁺ uptake, while enhancing antioxidant activity. Maximum activity was observed in the combination treatment. Salt stress reduced yield traits, including pod length, number of pods, and seeds per pod. MLE treatment showed more significant yield improvements than SA, but the combination of both treatments resulted in the highest values for all yield traits. Furthermore, ‘Kasuri methi’ showed better growth and yield even in salt stressed conditions. The growth and yield was significantly better when applied with salicylic acid (SA) and moringa leaf extract. So a combination of both treatments and ‘Kasuri methi’ is recommended for better yield.