Potential Benefits of Salicylic Acid in Food Production - Salicylic Acid: Plant Growth and Development - page 301

3.1.1 Effect of SA on the Productivity of Tomato (Lycopersicon
esculentum)
The experiments were conducted at the facilities of the well known firm Pequeña
Joya in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico, and a summary of the results from the
application of different concentrations of salicylic spray can be seen in Fig. 6 .
3.1.2 Effect of SA on the Productivity of Bell Pepper (Capsicum
annum)
Similarly, experiments were established to estimate the effect of SA on other
vegetables of commercial interest such as bell pepper (Capsicum annum).
The similarity in the pattern of the results obtained from two independent
experiments conducted in greenhouse conditions can be appreciated, in spite of the
fact that they were carried out two thousand kilometers from each other, one in the
tropical area and the other in the dry arid zone of Mexico (Fig. 7 ).
3.1.3 Effect of SA on the Productivity of European Cucumber
(Cucumis sativum L)
Cucumber is considered to be a horticultural plant which demands careful cultural
practices and expert management. Experiments were established in two localities
with extreme climates, one in the semi-desert area of northern Mexico and the
other in the tropical area. The results are shown in Fig. 8 .
Using the same contrasting approach of ecological conditions, the productivity
and quality of the fruit was estimated. In every case, the application of SA
increased the production of fruits by 33 %, while conserving the highest quality
required for this vegetable.
3.1.4 Effect of SA on the Productivity of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum
chínense)
The chili pepper is one of the most important horticultural crops in Mexico.
Experiments were established in field conditions in the tropical area of the country,
in three localities of Yucatan peninsula; separated from each other by approxi-
mately 200 km, Conkal, Tizimin, and Calkini.
The regular cultural practices traditionally used by the producers of Habanero
pepper were employed, with the only variant being salicylic acid sprays at con-
centrations of 1 or less micromoles to estimate its effect on fruit production.
The results are shown in Fig. 9 where one can appreciate that, in every case, the
application of SA increased fruit production by 30 % on an average.