Unraveling the effect of spermidine on biochemical, anatomical and yield attributes in chickpea under chloride dominated salinity.

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of foliar application of spermidine (Spd) on salt-stressed chickpea genotypes under natural environmental conditions. Four chickpea genotypes were treated with chloride-dominated salinity levels of 4.0 and 8.0 dSm^-1, followed by foliar application with 0.5 and 1.0 mM Spd during the reproductive stage. The findings reveal that Spermidine application markedly enhances the total chlorophyll upto 21.27%. It also enhanced the total soluble carbohydrate about 46.68% and protein content upto 40% in all chickpea genotypes but HC 3 shows maximum increase, thereby augmenting yield about 36% in HC 5 genotypes under salt stress. Additionally, Spermidine application facilitates the enlargement of xylem vessels diameter upto 34.53% in pedicel and reduction in epidermal wall thickening about 29.33% of filament under salt stress. Importantly, the efficacy of Spermidine application is particularly pronounced in salt-affected chickpea genotypes, especially the 0.5 mM concentration. The insights gained offer a potential solution to enhance plant tolerance and productivity under adverse conditions.