Arsenic and salicylic acid interaction on the growth and some other physiological parameters in Matricaria recutita

In this study, the effects of salicylic acid on arsenic toxicity in chamomile plants (Matricaria recutita) were studied by investigating the plant growth and some of the biochemical parameters. Treatment by arsenic (0, 10, 45 and 80 µM) of chamomile plants for 14 days caused serious chlorosis and reduction of plant growth. Also, arsenic significantly increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and resulted in the lipid peroxidation, which was confirmed the by increased concentration of membrane aldehyds. Pre-treatment of the plants by salicylic acid (spray with 0.1 and 0.5 mM salicylic acid for 10 days before arsenic stress) increased the rate of plant growth, photosynthesis, anthocyanins and reduced carbohydrates and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and accumulation of arsenic in the leaves of arsenic-exposed plants. The results showed that salicylic acid could improve plant growth to some extend and increased chamomile resistance to arsenic stress.