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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (16): 100-109.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2026-0047

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Effects of Gibberellin and Salicylic Acid on Germination, Seedling Growth and Physiology of Tagetes erecta Under Salt Stress

WANG Yanan1,2(), LI Tao3, HE Shihao1, PALINUR·Aiwaili1, WANG Jiafeng1, WANG Xin1, LI Zhiyuan1(), QIN Yong1   

  1. 1 College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052
    2 Xinjiang Light Industry Vocational and Technical College, Urumqi 830021
    3 Xinjiang Hotan College, Hotan, Xinjiang 848000
  • Received:2026-01-15 Revised:2026-06-01 Online:2026-08-25 Published:2026-08-20

Abstract:

This study aims to investigate the effects of different concentrations of gibberellin (GA3) and salicylic acid (SA) on seed germination and plant growth physiology of marigold under salt-alkali stress, so as to provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the application of hormones in marigold cultivation under adverse conditions. Using pigment marigold as the test material, pot irrigation was used to simulate a saline growth environment (80 mmol/L). Treatments included clear water and salt stress. Through seed soaking+ seedling foliar spraying, the effects of gibberellin (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) and salicylic acid (200, 400 and 600 mg/L) on marigold seed germination, seedling growth, and physiology under salt stress were studied. The 200 mg/L gibberellin treatment (G2) significantly increased the germination rate of marigold seeds under salt stress by 45.0%, while the germination potential, germination index, and vigor index were increased by 7.92, 1.45 and 3.23 times, respectively. The mean germination time was advanced by 0.74 days. Simultaneously, it significantly increased seedling radicle length and root-to-shoot ratio by 22.3% and 27.5%, respectively, and also increased plant biomass and water content. Additionally, the 400 mg/L salicylic acid treatment (S2) significantly increased the germination potential, germination index, and vigor index under salt stress by 7.93, 1.37 and 4.47 times, respectively. Seedling length, radicle length, and root-to-shoot ratio were increased by 6.3%, 12.1%, and 28.4%, respectively. However, concentrations exceeding G2 and S2 reduced the promotive effects on marigold seed germination and seedling growth. Gibberellin and salicylic acid treatments promoted seed germination and seedling growth of marigold under salt stress by regulating increases in soluble protein content and SOD activity, and decreases in osmotic adjustment substances such as soluble sugar and proline content. Seed soaking and exogenous spraying of GA3 and SA are beneficial for promoting seed germination and seedling growth of marigold under salt stress. The promoting effects are optimal at 200 mg/L GA3 and 400 mg/L SA.

Key words: gibberellin, salicylic acid, Tagetes erecta, salt stress, growth, physiology

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