Salicylic Acid and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Enhance Freezing Tolerance in Damask Rose (Rosa damascena): Physiological and Biochemical Insights

Zeinalipour, Najmeh; Saadati, Safoora

doi:10.22059/ijhst.2025.397766.1127

Salicylic Acid and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Enhance Freezing Tolerance in Damask Rose (Rosa damascena): Physiological and Biochemical Insights

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

Najmeh Zeinalipour ¹

Safoora Saadati ²

¹ Shahid bahonar university of kerman

² shahid bahonar university of kerman

10.22059/ijhst.2025.397766.1127

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enhance freezing tolerance in Damask rose (Rosa damascena) through distinct biochemical and physiological mechanisms. This study evaluated foliar applications of SA (1 and 2 mM), GABA (20 and 50 mM), and distilled water (control) on five-year-old Rosa damascena plants under spring freezing stress in Bardsir, Iran, using a completely randomized design with three replications. SA at 2 mM significantly reduced membrane injury indices and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in leaves and stems, while increasing proline, soluble carbohydrates, and total chlorophyll content for osmotic and photosynthetic stability. In flowers, SA at 2 mM increased petal weight, phenolic content, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. GABA at 20 mM provided moderate protection, but 50 mM was less effective, often comparable to the control. No significant effects were observed on flower diameter or essential oil content. Correlation analysis showed strong negative relationships between protective traits (e.g., proline, carbohydrates) and damage indicators (e.g., injury indices, MDA). SA at 2 mM exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing freezing tolerance, offering potential for improving yield and quality in cold-prone regions.

Keywords

Damask Rose

Freezing tolerance

Salicylic acid

Gamma-aminobutyric acid