Abstract

The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of exogenous application of ascorbic acid on growth and associated biochemical parameters in sugarcane cultivars CoC 24 and C 260628 under salt stress. In this study, ascorbic acid was applied at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mM in the hydroponic solution containing NaCl salts along with control. The morphological parameters nitrate reductase activity, proline and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and peroxidase) were recorded. The presence of NaCl salt reduced the growth of the plant and also affected the physiological activities. The application of ascorbic acid not only mitigated the inhibitory effects of salt stress but also induced a stimulatory effect on certain growth parameters. However, in this study, application of 1.0 mM ascorbic acid proved to be better option in mitigating the adverse effects on salinity.