Abstract

VALDEZ SEPULVEDA, Lidia et al. Effect of exogenous application of benzoic and salicylic acid on growth of tomato, tomatillo and pepper seedling. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.spe12, pp.2331-2343. ISSN 2007-0934.

Benzoic acid and its derivatives, such as salicylic acid are metabolic components that perform critical functions in plants. The aim of the study was to verify the effect of foliar application of benzoic and salicylic acid on seedling growth and mineral composition of tomato, tomatillo and pepper. Seedlings were grown under greenhouse in polystyrene containers using as substrate peat moss and perlite (80:20). Irrigation was performed with Steiner nutrient solution. Treatments consisted on weekly foliar applications of AB and AS at concentrations 10-4, 10-5, 10-6 M and a control with water. The variables were height and stem diameter, leaf area, aerial and root biomass and mineral content. The experimental design was completely randomized with 25 replications per treatment, being the experimental unit a seedling. The application of AS and AB in tomato and pepper seedlings gave positive responses in some growth variables and mineral composition. In tomatillo most variables responded negatively to AS and AB. The response pattern of aerial and root biomass from the three species was not systematic or predictable, so that if a variable increased another could decrease. Zn and Ca content increased in tomato and pepper seedlings respectively, when applying AS and AB, while in tomatillo all mineral concentrations decreased when these compounds were applied.

Keywords : mineral absorption; organic acids; phenylpropanoids benzoates; salicylates.