SALICYLIC ACID MITIGATES FLUORIDE STRESS IN ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L. THROUGH ENHANCED GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES

Fluoride is a non-essential electronegative element for plant growth. It enters the food chain through natural and anthropogenic processes. The aim of this research was to evaluate the therapeutic impact of Salicylic acid (100ppm, 200ppm) on Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) under the stress of different sodium fluoride concentrations (50ppm, 100ppm, and 150ppm) in order to achieve the best growth and biochemical characteristics. The Okra variety "Sabz Pari" was studied during the spring growing season (February to April) of 2021 under the sodium fluoride stress. Sodium fluoride impede the growth attributes such as root and shoot length, number of leaves, and leaf area of Okra plant. Exogenous application of Salicylic acid improved chl a, chl b and carotenoid of Okra plants under sodium fluoride stress. Salicylic acid enhanced the production of protein and ascorbic acid that reduced the toxic effect of sodium fluoride. Salicylic acid has anti-oxidant and growth promoting properties that increase salt tolerance of Okra plants and perhaps ameliorates the deleterious impact of salt stress and enhances the growth and biomass of Okra plants