Salicylic Acid Induced Changes on Some Physiological Parameters Symptomatic for Oxidative Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown under Cinnamic Acid Stress

In the present work, alleviation of cinnamic acid (CA) stress by salicylic acid (SA) was observed. CA influenced the physiological and biochemical parameters. CA significantly repressed growth variables like shoot and root height, fresh and dry biomass of the maize seedlings. The contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, protein and activity of nitrate reductase were inhibited significantly. CA enhanced the accumulation of proline, ion leakage and lipid peroxidation due to induction of oxidative stress in maize. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase increased in CA stress. However, exogenous SA regulated the toxic effects of CA. The indices of oxidative stress appeared to be attenuated by SA. Pigment content and activities of enzymes increased approximately up to the level of control. CA caused phytotoxicity to Zea mays. The natural growth regulator has potential to overcome the adverse effects caused by CA.