The effects of salicylic acid on pigment contents in ultraviolet radiation stressed pepper plants

Abstract

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants were sprayed with salicylic acid (SA) and treated with ultraviolet radiation UV-A (320-390 nm), UV-B (312 nm), and UV-C (254 nm) of 6.1, 5.8, and 5.7 W m-2, respectively. UV significantly reduced contents of chlorophyll (Chl) a and b, and carotenoids (Car). SA treatment moderated Chl and Car reduction in plants treated with UV-B and UV-C. The quantity of antocyanins, flavonoids, rutin, and UV-absorbing compounds in plants that were treated with UV-B, UV-C, and SA were significantly increased. Foliar spray of SA counteracted the UV effects on pepper.