ABSTRACT
Elaeis guineensis, commonly known as the oil palm, serves as a critical economic crop. However, it faces challenges from environmental stressors such as drought and extreme temperatures, which impede its growth and yield. Salicylic acid (SA) has been recognized for its role in boosting plant antioxidant defenses, but its impact on oil palm remains unknown. Salicylic acid is a medicated topical gel, cream, lotion or solution. It treats and prevents acne along with other skin conditions, like warts, psoriasis, calluses and corns. Salicylic acid works by breaking down layers of thick skin. Salicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula HOC6H4COOH. A colorless (or, white), bitter-tasting solid, it is a plant hormone, the name is from Latin Salix for willow tree, from which it was initially identified and derived. Salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates. At normal temperature, salicylic acid crystals are needle-shaped, colorless, and odorless. Salicylic acid has an unpleasant flavor. Salicylic acid has a melting point of 315^oC and a boiling point of 211^oC respectively. There are two hydrogen bond donors and three hydrogen bond acceptors in the salicylic acid molecule. This research examined the ability of SA to enhance antioxidant defenses in oil palm under stress conditions. Oil palm seedlings were exposed to drought and heat stress and treated with varying levels of SA. Antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid oxidation, and membrane resilience were then evaluated. The study found that SA significantly boosted antioxidant enzyme activity, mitigated lipid oxidation, and improved membrane stability in stressed oil palm plants. The optimal SA concentration and application timing for maximizing antioxidant defense were also determined. These findings highlight the potential of SA as a plant growth regulator for enhancing oil palm stress tolerance and productivity, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
