LAUSR

Abstract The effect of salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) was explored on some growth characteristics and leaf and root nutrients content in Rosa hybrida “Beverly Watson” under alkaline stress conditions in a factorial experiment with three replications. Two factors were foliar applied including salicylic acid (SA) at five rates (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) and sodium nitroprusside at four rates (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM). In order to create alkalinity, sodium bicarbonate solution was applied to pot soil in several stages to reach pH = 8. The recorded parameters were included the fresh and dry weight of leaf, stem and root, and leaf and root minerals content. The results showed that SA and NO application alleviated the adverse effects of alkalinity on the plant and increased growth parameters. Also, they significantly increased some essential elements such as K, Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu in leaf and root as compared to control and decreased Na content in leaf and root. In general, it was revealed that SA and NO treatments were effective in mitigating the negative effects of alkalinity in roses and can have positive and favorable effects on the growth and development of this plant.