Effects of salicylic acid on stress resistance of seeds and seedling

Seed germination and seedling growth played an important role in plant life cycle and were the most sensitive period to environmental factors. The research of salicylic acid for seed germination and seedling growth were reviewed in this paper which includes the tolerance of seeds and seedling to some environmental stresses such as salts, drought, heat, chilling and heavy metal. The comprehensive analysis showed that salicylic acid provided effective protections for seed germination and seedling growth by increasing osmotic substances, activating antioxidant enzyme and α-amylase to maintain the stability of membrane structure under stress although these protections cannot completely clean up the damages. Salicylic acid had dual effects on the seed germination and seedling growth whose optimum concentration was effected by plant species, treatments time, and stress. The explanation of the mechanism how salicylic acid improve plant tolerance to environmental stresses in seed germination and seedling growth stages could provide a theoretical basis for agriculture production.