Induction of a biostimulant and response in the biochemical activity of Ocimum basilicum L. under

Biostimulants contain substances that regulate the secondary metabolism of plants. In addition to stimulating plant growth and development, they activate physiological and biochemical functions that help mitigate salt stress in plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mitigating effect of a commercial biostimulant on proline content, total protein and antioxidant enzymatic activity of three varieties of basil subjected to salinity stress with sodium chloride (NaCl). The design used was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement. Factor A were the varieties (Napoletano, Nufar and Emily), factor B the NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and factor C, the doses of the biostimulant (0 and 0.5 mL L-1) with four repetitions. Proline content, total protein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity were determined in leaves and roots. The results showed that basil varieties increased proline, CAT, SOD and GPX concentrations as NaCl concentrations were moderate to severe (100 and 150 mM). The plants treated with 0.5 mL L-1 of the biostimulant significantly increased the variables studied, even in the presence of NaCl stress, determining the mitigating action of the biostimulant by promoting greater antioxidant enzymatic activity and an increase in osmoregulatory substances.