Effect of Chit osan–Hydroxycinnamic Acid Conjugates on the growth and development of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) under soil salinity conditions

The present study investigates the impact of lyophilized chitosan conjugates with ferulic (Сh30-FA) and caffeic (Ch30-CA) acids on the morphometric and biochemical parameters of a cucumber plant ( Cucumis sativus L.) Malyshok variety cultivated prior to the onset of fruit development under sodium chloride salinity conditions. The seeds and plants were treated with conjugate solutions during the stage of first true leaf appearance. The creation of soil salinization conditions involved the soil application of sodium chloride solution. The results demonstrated that treatment with conjugates, particularly Ch30-CA, enhanced plant growth during the process of leaf development and formation of lateral shoots under optimal conditions. Additionally, it facilitated the plants adaptation to salt stress by increasing proline levels and maintaining water balance in the leaves. The application of Chitosan–Hydroxycinnamic Acid Conjugates has been demonstrated to stimulate cucumber plant growth under both optimal and stressful conditions, thereby accelerating the transition to the generative phase of development. Furthermore, the application of Ch30-CA and Ch30-FA has been demonstrated to mitigate the sodium chloride salt stress experienced by cucumber plants. The inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and the maintenance of plasma membrane integrity, as evidenced by low levels of electrolyte leakage from cucumber plant leaf cells and low proline content during fruit development, were also demonstrated.