Effects of Salicylic Acid on Leaf Cell Expansion, Xylem Vessels, and Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Strawberry Plants
Applied Fruit Science, vol.68, no.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 68 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s10341-026-01898-x
- Journal Name: Applied Fruit Science
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts
- Keywords: Chlorophyll synthesis, Cortical cells, Fragaria, Salicylic acid, Vessel
- Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Salicylic acid (SA) is a phytohormone that enhances plant growth. In the current study, it was applied to strawberry plants at different times to determine its effects on chlorophyll biosynthesis, plant histology, and fruit quality. The ‘Monterey’ strawberry variety was used in the experiment. The experiment was set up with three replications and seven seedlings in each replication. SA was applied to the plants 1 month after planting, and in some groups, the treatment was repeated two or three times at 2‑week intervals. A 2-mmol dose of SA was applied to the plant root zone as irrigation. The measurements and analyses, except fruit quality, were determined 3 months after seedling planting. SA significantly contributed to the chlorophyll biosynthesis, cell expansion, and fruit quality of strawberry plants. One- and two-time applications of SA increased chlorophyll concentration by approximately 40% compared to the control plants. One- and two-time SA applications resulted in an increase in cell diameter. Cortical cell diameters increased by 47% and 29% in one and two-time SA applications, respectively, compared to the control group. A one-time application of SA increased fruit weight by approximately 40% compared to the control. In order to evaluate all the data together in the study, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. According to this, the best application was observed to be two-time SA. According to the PCA analysis, control and two-time SA treatments were in the positive group.