Determination of salicylic acid, copper and zinc effects on gene expression level at lead stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Plants are exposed to different stresses such as biotic and abiotic. One of them is heavy metal stress. Heavy metal stress is harmful for plants on physiological and molecular levels. Plants have different mechanisms to cope with these stresses. In this study, the expression changes of root and stem parts' target genes MT2 (metallothionein2), PR-1 (pathogen-related resistance gene) and miR398 (metallo-beta-lactamase, F -Box protein, Bax-inhibitor-1, protein kinase, superoxide dismutase) applying copper, zinc (Cu, Zn) metal combinations and salicylic acid against lead (Pb) were analyzed by qRT-PCR technique in heavy metal stress sensitive Triticum aestivum L. cv. 'Çetinel 2000' wheat variety. It has been determined that gene expressions have changed as per organ, and MT2 gene, PR gene and miR398 target genes have played a role in heavy metal administration, and also salicylic acid affects the expression of these genes. This study showed that salicylic acid application to heavy metal stress sensitive plants was an effective response.