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A Review of the Effects of Salicylic Acid Spray and Sulfur Fertilization on Strawberry Growth and Yield
Authors
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Jassim M. A. Al-A'areji
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq
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Ahmed T. Al-Abbasi
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq
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Yusra M. Shalih
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq
Abstract
Salicylic acid (SA) is a non-enzymatic phenolic compound that functions as an endogenous plant hormone. It plays a pivotal role in modulating plant responses under stress conditions by regulating metabolic activities, maintaining osmotic balance, promoting stomatal closure, and reducing transpiration and ethylene production. Additionally, SA enhances the activity of antioxidant systems, facilitates ion uptake, and increases the accumulation of insoluble sugars by inhibiting glucokinase activity. It also stimulates certain defense-related enzymes, strengthens plant resistance against fungal pathogens, and induces structural modifications in leaves and chloroplasts. These physiological changes collectively contribute to improved plant growth, higher yields, and better fruit quality. Sulfur (S), classified as a macronutrient, is essential for plant development due to its role in synthesizing sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine, cysteine, and cystine, which together constitute approximately 90% of sulfur content in plant tissues. Sulfur is also required for the biosynthesis of coenzyme A, a critical component in the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and intermediates of the citric acid cycle. Moreover, it is vital for chlorophyll formation and is a structural component of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins within chloroplasts, including ferredoxin. In calcareous soils, where pH levels are typically ≥ 7.2, sulfur application effectively lowers soil pH, thereby enhancing the availability of micronutrients that are crucial for optimal plant growth and development.
Keywords:
Article information
Journal
Journal of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Animal Science
Volume (Issue)
2(2), (2025)
Pages
15-22
Published
Copyright
Copyright (c) 2025 Jassim M. A. Al-A'areji, Ahmed T. Al-Abbasi, Yusra M. Shalih (Author)
Open access
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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