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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Evaluation of a supramolecular complex based on glycyrrhizic acid as a bioregulator for enhancing the salt tolerance of cotton Gossypium hirsutum L.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11011
Submitted
31 July 2025
Published
19-06-2026 — Updated on 01-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

This study evaluated the biostimulant activity of a supramolecular complex of glycyrrhizic acid and indole butyric acid (GA–IBA) at various concentrations (10-5, 10-6, 10-7 and 10-8 M) on the growth and development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) variety Sulton under experimental salt stress (100 mM NaCl) under laboratory conditions. Key morphometric parameters, including length, fresh and dry weight of hypocotyls and roots, as well as oxidative stress indicators - concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase (POD) - were studied. The most notable stimulatory effect was observed at 10-6 M of the GA–IBA, which significantly enhanced elongation, increased the fresh weight of roots and activated POD, while reducing oxidative stress by lowering H2O2 and MDA levels. Concentrations above and below this optimal level exhibited comparatively weaker effects. These findings indicate that treatment with GA–IBA at 10-6 M effectively enhances salt tolerance in cotton and may serve as a promising strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of salinity during early stages of plant ontogenesis.

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