Effect of acetylsalicylic acid and ammonium sulphate on productive and physiological parameters in Stipa caudata under water shortage conditions

Abstract

Stipa caudata is a grass native to low rainfall areas in Argentina and Chile, considered an excellent potential candidate for biofuel production or soil restoration programmes. This study aimed at analysing the effects of ammonium sulphate (AMS) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the productivity and biochemical traits of plants of this species under water scarcity conditions. The experimental work was carried out on plants grown outdoors using a randomised block plot design. Several yield and biochemical parameters related to resistance to water scarcity were analysed in plants treated with AMS or ASA. Plants in the treatments with ASA and AMS had higher total chlorophyll content than the others. Concerning ion content, water-restricted plants treated with AMS had similar values to irrigated plants. Regarding the osmoprotectants and antioxidants, treated plants had increased concentrations of proline and total flavonoids. Under water stress, plants had higher APX activity and there was an A x B interaction for CAT and SOD activity. The results obtained show that the use of ASA and AMS in some crops or in environmental restoration programmes could be a useful tool to cope with future climate scenarios of water scarcity.