Effects of seawagen and salicylic acid applications on morphological and biochemical characteristics of aspir (Carthamus tinctorius L.) plant under salt stress conditions

This thesis investigates the effects of seaweed and salicylic acid applications on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under salt stress conditions. The research consists of experiments conducted in a controlled climate chamber using five different salt doses (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM) and three different seaweed and salicylic acid doses (0, 50, 100 mL/l). During the plant growth process, parameters such as shoot and root length, seedling fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, relative water content, and electrolyte leakage were evaluated. The findings of the study indicate that seaweed and salicylic acid applications have significant potential in enhancing the tolerance of safflower to salt stress. In particular, high doses of seaweed and salicylic acid were found to have positive effects on parameters such as chlorophyll content, root length, and seedling fresh weight. The decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under salt stress was alleviated by these applications. Moreover, it was determined that seaweed and salicylic acid applications had a supportive effect on the overall growth of the plant and significantly reduced the adverse effects of salt stress. In conclusion, it was found that seaweed and salicylic acid applications improved the adaptation of safflower to salt stress and played a supportive role in plant physiology. This study provides important findings regarding the use of seaweed and salicylic acid as biostimulants for safflower cultivation under saline conditions.