PJB-2025-1515
Influence of gibberellic acid on spinach morphological traits, gas exchange attributes and copper uptake in response to copper stress
Ghulam Yasin, Sadia Javed, Aarish Laila, Mutahira Azam, Mohamed A. El-Sheikh, Rattandeep Singh, Temoor Ahmed and Shafaqat Ali
Abstract
Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a pivotal plant hormone known for its extensive role in promoting growth and development. Its efficacy in ameliorating metal stress in plants has garnered considerable attention, positioning it as a potential mitigator of heavy metal toxicity. Therefore, we have conducted a pot experiment to explore the effects of GA3 on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under varying levels of copper (Cu) stress. The experiment was structured around three different Cu concentrations in the soil—0, 200, and 400 mg kg−1 coupled with the application of GA3 at three concentrations—0, 50, and 100 mg L−1. Our results revealed that Cu stress markedly reduced plant growth, biomass, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations while elevating Cu accumulation in various parts of the spinach plants. Conversely, the application of GA3 significantly counteracted these effects by enhancing plant growth and photosynthesis rates and reducing the Cu concentration within the plants. These findings underscore the protective and promotive effects of GA3 in mitigating copper stress. In conclusion, GA3 emerges as a promising agent for improving plant growth and composition under heavy metal stress conditions. Its application could potentially ameliorate the adverse effects of Cu toxicity. However, for a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and mechanisms, further detailed molecular studies are warranted in field environments. This study highlights the potential of GA3 as a beneficial growth regulator in agricultural practices, especially in soils afflicted with heavy metal contamination
To Cite this article:
Yasin, G., S. Javed, A. Laila, M. Azam, M.A. El-Sheikh, R. Singh, T. Ahmed and S. Ali. 2025. Influence of gibberellic acid on spinach morphological traits, gas exchange attributes and copper uptake in response to copper stress. Pak. J. Bot., 57(2): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-2(19)
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