Changes in the activity of pro-/antioxidants in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings under salt stress conditions upon seed treatment with chitosan-hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates

The effect of seed treatment with chitosan ferulic acid (Ch30-FA) or caffeic acid (Ch30-CA) conjugates on biometric parameters and pro-/antioxidant system activity in spring barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare L.) was studied under optimal conditions, salt stress, and subsequent recovery. The Ch30-CA conjugate exerted a mild stress effect, triggering compensatory mechanisms that include activation of cellular repair processes and, likely, de novo enzyme synthesis. Treatment with chitosan–hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates, especially Ch30-CA, contributed to sustained high activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, APX, GR) and low hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the roots and leaves of barley seedlings under salt stress and during the recovery period. This phenomenon resulted in enhanced adaptive response and accelerated growth of barley seedlings. Differences in the effects of the two conjugates on plants were observed. When applied during the transition from short-term salt stress to the post-stress period, the Ch30-FA conjugate reduced proline content in the leaves, whereas treatment with the Ch30-CA conjugate increased proline content. During the recovery period, POD and GR activities in the leaves increased under Ch30-CA treatment compared to salt stress, while they remained almost unchanged in leaves of plants treated with Ch30-FA.

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