Regulation of Growth and Photosynthetic Parameters by Salicylic Acid and Calcium in Brassica juncea under Cadmium Stress

Cadmium, a non-essential and toxic metal, negatively affects plant growth and productivity, and alters the plant's physiological processes necessary for its survival. The present study was designed to explore the individual and combined effects of calcium and salicylic acid (SA) on the morphology and physiology of Brassica juncea L. cv. Varuna under cadmium stress. The application of calcium (2 mM) through the soil and/or SA (10(-5) M) as foliar spray enhanced the growth, photosynthetic parameters, and proline content determined after 45 days of treatment. The application of cadmium (6 mg kg(-1)) through the soil was toxic and decreased both growth and the photosynthetic parameters. The application of calcium and SA in combination was most effective in alleviating the harmful effects of cadmium on growth and photosynthesis. Calcium and SA clearly induced plant protection mechanisms by enhancing proline and chlorophyll accumulation in the leaves.