Modulation of salt-induced stress impact on common purslane growth by exogenous application of salicylic acid

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), although considered a common weed, has high nutritional value. This study evaluated the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (50, 100, 200 ppm) on the growth of common purslane under saline irrigation (250 mM NaCl). Saline irrigation decreased aboveground biomass and relative leaf water content. However, salicylic acid application, especially at 100 ppm, significantly improved these parameters. Growth inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in the production of chlorophyll pigments (chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b). Foliar application of salicylic acid resulted in plants with improved chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b levels under saline irrigation. Moreover, foliar application of salicylic acid resulted in higher values of the Mean Productivity index and the Harmonic Mean index than non-treated plants. In conclusion, application of salicylic acid at 100 ppm could be used to alleviate the harmful effects of saline water on common purslane.