Growth modulation in Swietenia macrophylla: Role of salicylic and Jasmonic acids in seedling development

Climate change poses severe challenges to ecosystems, agriculture, and forestry by intensifying extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heat waves, compromising plant health, productivity, and ecosystem stability. In response to these stresses, plants activate intricate defense mechanisms that mitigate damage and facilitate adaptation to adverse conditions. The defense hormones like Jasmonic Acid (JA) and Salicylic Acid (SA) play a vital role in enhancing plant resilience by regulating the expression of stress-related genes, promoting the production of protective proteins, and initiating physiological adjustments that optimize water-use efficiency and sustain cellular balance. This study investigated the effects of defense hormones, JA and SA, on mahogany seedlings, a species valued for its rapid growth, high-quality wood, workability, and durability. The effects of various concentrations of JA and SA on the growth and development of six-month-old mahogany seedlings were investigated. Seedlings were treated with foliar applications of JA and SA at six different concentrations (0.2 mM, 0.4 mM, 0.6 mM, 0.8 mM, 1 mM and control), with measurements taken every 30 days over a 150-day period. The results indicated that JA at 0.6 mM (T4) and SA at 0.8 mM (T5) were the most effective treatments, leading to optimal growth performance. These treatments significantly enhanced overall plant vigor, promoting stability as indicated by the sturdiness quotient and improving seedling quality. The findings demonstrate the potential of JA and SA in enhancing mahogany growth, particularly under stress conditions, highlighting their promising applications in forestry practices.