Exogenous salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and shikimic acid enhance drought tolerance in tea by modulating antioxidant defense and osmotic regulation.

ABSTRACT: Tea (Camellia sinensis), a widely cultivated crop across more than 50 countries, is highly vulnerable to drought stress, which impairs growth and reduces yield. This study examines the potential of exogenously applied salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and shikimic acid (ShA) in enhancing drought tolerance in tea plants. Plants were pre-treated with SA, ABA, and ShA for 4 days, followed by 10 days of drought stress during which no water was provided by either foliar spray or soil irrigation. Leaf samples collected on day 15 were analyzed for various physiological and biochemical markers, including antioxidant enzyme activities (POD and GST), reactive oxygen species (H2O2) levels, and contents of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and proline. Results showed that all treatments mitigate

SUBMITTER: Sheuli SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12530598 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature