Role of 24-Epibrassinolide, Putrescine and Spermine in Salinity Stressed Adiantum capillus-veneris Leaves

In the present investigation, the effects of 24-epibrassinolide and polyamines (putrescine and spermidine) on antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase), antioxidants (phenols and proline), lipid peroxidation, proteins and photosynthetic pigments in the Adiantum capillus-veneris under salt stress were studied. 24-epibrassinolide and polyamine treatment alone or in combination with salt stress modulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Modest decrease in proline content was observed for salt treatment alone. However, the combination of 24-epibrassinolide and polyamines with salt stress caused major increase in proline content over salt stress alone. The combined effect of salt with 24-epibrassinolide increased the phenolic content. Major enhancement in phenolic content was observed for 150 mM NaCl+10−8 EBL. A remarkable decrease in malondialdehyde content was observed in leaves treated with 24-epibrassinolide, putrescine and spermidine with/or without salinity stress. Proteins and photosynthetic pigments did not show any remarkable change under salt stress whereas, treatment of 24-epibrassinolide and polyamines enhanced the titers of protein and photosynthetic pigments of leaves with/or without salt stress. An increase in carotenoid content was observed with salt (150 and 300 mM) stress, which further improved remarkably by supplementation of polyamines and 24-epibrassinolide. Data presented here is one of the first detailed analysis of application of EBL, Put and Spd on the antioxidant system of Adiantum under salt stress.