The Ameliorative Effect of Foliar Applied Salicylic Acid on Zinc Toxicity in Diverse Maize Genotypes

This review examines the ameliorative results of foliar-applied salicylic acid (SA) on zinc (Zn) toxicity in numerous maize genotypes. While Zn is a crucial micronutrient for plant growth, immoderate ranges can lead to widespread physiological and morphological limitations, including stunted growth and reduced photosynthesis. This study highlights the multiple functions of Zn in plant health and its poisonous effects when present in high concentrations. SA, a plant hormone recognized for improving stress tolerance, is proposed as a feasible technique to mitigate the unfavorable effects of Zn toxicity. The evaluation synthesizes modern-day studies on how foliar application of SA can improve physiological and biochemical responses in maize under Zn pressure. The methods through which SA reduces oxidative stress in response to excessive Zn are discussed. These methods include improving antioxidant defenses, modulating gene expression, and retaining nutritional homeostasis. This article elucidates the impact of genetic heterogeneity among maize genotypes on their response to treatment toxicity with SA and Zn. To generate highly resilient maize genotypes that could flourish in conditions with alternating Zn levels, breeding applications should be used to offer this genotypic variability. The capability of SAs as a biostimulant in agriculture is emphasized throughout the paper, which helps their application in controlling Zn toxicity and raising maize yields in harsh environmental conditions. This study offers valuable insights into sustainable farming methods that can enhance crop productivity in light of emerging soil contamination issues.