Salicylic Acid - A Versatile Plant Growth Regulator

Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone that induces systemic resistance in plants and regulates defense responses. It also plays an important role in the regulation of physiological and developmental processes. Advancements in elucidating the specific pathways of SA signal transduction have expanded the horizon of SA-mediated regulation. This book aims to provide a collective information on SA, which makes it a versatile plant growth regulator. It is intended to help students, teachers, and researchers understand the relation between phytohormones and agricultural sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 305 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Phytohormones play a crucial role in influencing the growth and development of plants, both directly and indirectly. One such phytohormone is salicylic acid (SA), a phenolic compound that exhibits profound effects on plant physiology and defense responses. SA derivatives also play a significant role in regulating various physiological and developmental processes in plants under both normal and stressful environmental conditions.

SA's regulatory influence extends to crucial aspects of plant growth and development, including seed germination, photosynthesis, ethylene biosynthesis, enzyme activities, nutrition, flowering, legume nodulation, and overall plant growth. Recent advancements in understanding the specific pathways of SA signal transduction have shed light on the expression of genes associated with different developmental programs. This knowledge has expanded the horizon of SA-mediated regulation of physiological processes, leading to the documentation of various studies exploring the efficacy of exogenously applied SA in practical agriculture.

In light of these recent developments, there is a need for a comprehensive compilation of information regarding SA. This book aims to serve as a valuable resource for students, teachers, and researchers seeking to understand the relationship between phytohormones and agricultural sciences. The chapters included in this book cover both theoretical and practical aspects, providing immense value for research and potential future advancements.

The first chapter provides an introduction to SA and its role in plant growth and development. It discusses the synthesis, metabolism, and signaling pathways of SA, as well as its effects on various physiological processes. The second chapter explores the molecular mechanisms underlying SA-mediated regulation of gene expression. It discusses the involvement of transcription factors, epigenetic regulation, and other regulatory mechanisms in SA signal transduction.

The third chapter focuses on the practical applications of SA in agriculture. It discusses the use of SA-based fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators to improve crop yield, quality, and resistance to stress. The chapter also highlights the role of SA in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental pollution.

The fourth chapter discusses the role of SA in plant defense responses. It explores the mechanisms by which SA triggers defense reactions against biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen infection, drought, and heat stress. The chapter also discusses the use of SA-based biostimulants to enhance plant immunity and resistance to pests and diseases.

The fifth chapter explores the interactions between SA and other phytohormones in plant growth and development. It discusses the crosstalk between SA and auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, as well as their synergistic and antagonistic effects on plant growth and development. The chapter also highlights the importance of understanding these interactions in crop management and breeding.

The sixth chapter discusses the role of SA in plant senescence and senescence-associated gene expression. It explores the mechanisms by which SA induces senescence and the associated molecular and physiological changes in plants. The chapter also discusses the use of SA-based strategies to delay senescence and improve crop quality and yield.

The seventh chapter discusses the potential applications of SA in other fields, such as medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science. It discusses the use of SA-based compounds as natural pesticides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as their potential use in developing new drugs and materials. The chapter also highlights the role of SA in promoting plant health and biodiversity.

The eighth chapter provides a summary of the key findings and conclusions of the book. It highlights the importance of SA as a versatile plant growth regulator and its potential for improving crop productivity and sustainability. The chapter also suggests future research directions and opportunities for SA-based interventions in agriculture and other fields.

In conclusion, this book aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of SA and its role in plant growth and development. It covers both theoretical and practical aspects, making it valuable for students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of agriculture, botany, and plant sciences. By understanding the mechanisms of SA signal transduction and its applications in agriculture, we can contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030792312
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021