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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Mechanistic insights into the role of salicylic acid in sustaining the stay-green phenotype of maize

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12550
Submitted
1 November 2025
Published
29-06-2026 — Updated on 01-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during the spring and autumn seasons of 2023 at the experimental farm located south of Hit city, Al-Anbar, Iraq, to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid at four concentrations (0, 125, 250 and 375 mg L-1) on six maize genotypes (Forat, Bohouth 5015, Fajr, Fajr-1, Bohouth 108 and Bohouth 106). A randomised complete block design (RCBD) in a split-plot arrangement with 3 replications was used. The results revealed significant differences among salicylic acid concentrations, genotypes and their interactions for physiological and yield traits. The concentration of 375 mg L-1 recorded the highest values for the number of functional leaves (stay-green), leaf area and grain yield, particularly during the autumn season. The genotype Fajr-1 exhibited the highest number of stay-green leaves (14.18) and the highest total grain yield (7.46 t ha-1). The genotypes Fajr-1 and Fajr demonstrated the best genetic response to salicylic acid application. Foliar application of salicylic acid promoted earlier flowering, particularly during the spring season, as evidenced by a reduction in the number of days required to reach 50 % anthesis. In contrast, the environmental conditions prevailing during the autumn season supported more uniform plant growth and improved pollination efficiency. The study recommends the application of 375 mg L-1 salicylic acid in combination with genetically superior genotypes to achieve the highest productivity under local environmental conditions.

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