Effect of the hydroxycinnamic acids and their chitosan-based conjugates on the growth and biochemical parameters of microclone potato plants in vitro

Abstract

This study determined the effect of exogenously applied hydroxycinnamic acids and their chitosan-based conjugates on growth and biochemical parameters of microclone potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) in vitro under optimal conditions. The findings of the present investigation confirm applying of chitosan-caffeic acid and chitosan-ferulic acid conjugates on microclone potato plants to improve growth and development. A significant growth-stimulating effect was found in caffeic acid and its chitosan-based conjugate. Chitosan behaved like a general elicitor inducing oxidative stress in plant cells. In turn, hydroxycinnamic acids acted as antioxidants to scavenge reactive oxygen species. The chitosan-caffeic acid conjugate can be considered as a low stress factor that activates metabolism and adaptation processes of microclonal potato plants.