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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp4 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - III

Salicylic acid-mediated defence in tomato: A sustainable strategy against Helicoverpa armigera

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10480
Submitted
6 July 2025
Published
24-11-2025

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key signalling molecule in plants, known to regulate defence responses against a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study assessed the role of exogenous SA application in inducing resistance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) against the fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera under two experimental setups (Set A: 40 days after transplanting (DAT) and Set B: 40 and 80 DAT) with five treatments (T1-T4: SA at 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm and T5: control) and spray schedules were evaluated under controlled conditions to determine their influence on physiological traits, yield performance and pest infestation. The results demonstrated that SA application significantly enhanced chlorophyll content, relative leaf water status and fruit yield, while concurrently reducing the extent of fruit damage caused by H. armigera. Higher concentrations combined with double spray consistently produced superior outcomes compared to single sprays or untreated controls. Larval rearing studies further indicated that insects feeding on SA-treated plants exhibited reduced growth and survival, suggesting a negative impact on pest fitness. Correlation and principal component analyses supported a strong association between improved physiological parameters and reduced infestation levels. Overall, the study provides clear evidence that SA acts as an effective resistance inducer in tomato, strengthening both plant defence and productivity. The findings highlight the potential of SA as an eco-friendly and sustainable component in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical insecticides for managing H. armigera in tomato cultivation.

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