Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 2
Salicylic Acid: Physiological Roles
in Plants
Mohammad Yusuf, Shamsul Hayat, Mohammed Nasser Alyemeni,
Qazi Fariduddin and Aqil Ahmad
Abstract Since ancient times, salicylic acid has been in use by humans because of
its therapeutic properties. Salicylic acid, chemically known as 2-hydroxy benzoic
acid is one of a diverse group of phenolic compounds, consisting of an aromatic
ring bearing a hydroxyl group or its functional derivative, which is synthesized by
plants. Salicylic acid biosynthetic pathway in plants has two distinct pathways, the
isochorismate (IC) pathway and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) pathway.
Moreover, salicylic acid plays exclusive role in plant growth, thermogenesis,
flower induction and uptake of ions. It affects ethylene biosynthesis, stomatal
movement and also reverses the effects of ABA on leaf abscission. In addition to
this, it also enhances the level of photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic rate and
modifies the activity of some of the important enzymes as well. This chapter
provides
the
reader
with
a
comprehensive
coverage
to
above
aspects
more
exclusively with future prospects.
Keywords Growth
Photosynthesis
Salicylic acid
Senescence
Yield
1 Introduction
Since ancient times, plants and their extracts have been used for their therapeutic
properties. World Health Organization estimated that approximately 75-80 % of
the world's population uses plant medicines either in part or entirely. Ancient
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