Abstract
It is known that auxin and nitric oxide have the ability to ameliorate various abiotic stresses in plants individually. However, their interactive effects on the stress generated by salt in plants are not reported yet. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of nitric oxide and IAA (Indole acetic acid) individually and in combination on the photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidative enzyme activities, and plant biomass under salt stress. Twenty-five-day-old plants were exposed to SNP and IAA individually and in combination for 5 days continuously, and it was found that both SNP and IAA showed almost similar response at 30 and 45 days of old plants and increased studied parameters over their respective controls. However, the interactive effect of both SNP and IAA excelled over the individual response of SNP and IAA. On the other hand, the presence of salt in soil significantly decreased the parameters studied. Furthermore, stress generated by NaCl was overcome by the exogenous application of SNP, IAA alone as well as in combination at both the stages of samplings. However, the combination of IAA and SNP was more effective at 45 DAS where the value of plant biomass and photosynthetic efficiency was more in comparison to control plants. The level of antioxidant enzymes and proline was further enhanced by SNP and IAA and maximum values were reported in the plants received both SNP and IAA under NaCl stress. This enhanced antioxidant system and proline accumulation could ameliorate the stress induced by NaCl in plants that was reflected by the improved plant biomass, and photosynthetic efficiency in comparison to control plants.