ABSTRACT:
Salicylic acid is a lipophillic monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid and a beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) with formula C7H6O3. This colourless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as growth hormone. The Salicylic acid plays a vital role in the regulation of plant growth, developmental, and other physiological activities. It provides a defense response towards the biotic and abiotic stresses. Its role is evident in seed germination, glycolysis, flowering, fruit yield, ion uptake, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration and thermo-tolerance. Plants that are treated with SA exhibit high level of pigments which help in photosynthesis than those which are under control or salt stress. Salicylic acid action includes the development of antistress system in plants and acceleration of the normal growth of plants after the removal of stress factors. It plays an important role in boosting of antioxidative defence system in plants.