Foliar sprays of methyl jasmonic acid shift the endogenous fatty acid levels to support rice plant growth in saline soil

Abstract

The study examined the effects of a one-time foliar spray of methyl jasmonate (50 µM) on three rice varieties (MR219, MR219–4, and MR219–9) after 40 days planted on topsoil and saline soil (electrical conductivity EC at 10 ds/m). After 20 days of treatment, plant height and fatty acid profile in the top leaves and fabulous roots of each group were analysed. The results showed that MeJA and saline soil treatments had a significant effect on the height of the rice plants. The total oil content in the leaves varied amongst the rice varieties but did not significantly differ between MeJA-treated plants and those planted in saline soil. The total oil content in the roots of MR219–9 increased when treated with MeJA or saline soil individually. The fatty acid composition varied amongst the rice varieties and was influenced by soil conditions and MeJA treatment. The leaves contained a higher number of fatty acid species compared to the roots. Palmitic acid is the major saturated fatty acid in the leaves and roots of the three rice varieties. Other fatty acid species varied amongst the varieties, plant parts, and treatments. The results provide insights into the response of different rice varieties to MeJA and saline soil conditions. Exogenous MeJA might have influenced physiological and biochemical processes in the plants, helping them cope with salt stress to some extent. Further research would be needed to understand the mechanisms behind this interaction between MeJA and salinity in rice plant height.

Keywords

• Gas-chromatography
• Leave
• Palmitic acid
• Oil
• Root
• Salinity