Unraveling the effect of spermidine on biochemical, anatomical and yield attributes in chickpea under chloride dominated salinity.

This study investigates the effect of foliar application of spermidine (Spd) on salt-stressed chickpea genotypes under natural environmental conditions. Four chickpea genotypes were treated with chloride-dominated salinity levels of 4.0 and 8.0 dSm^-1, followed by foliar application with 0.5 and 1.0 mM Spd during the reproductive stage. The findings reveal that Spermidine application markedly enhances the total chlorophyll upto 21.27%. It also enhanced the total soluble carbohydrate about 46.68% and protein content upto 40% in all chickpea genotypes but HC 3 shows maximum increase, thereby augmenting yield about 36% in HC 5 genotypes under salt stress. Additionally, Spermidine application facilitates the enlargement of xylem vessels diameter upto 34.53% in pedicel and reduction in epidermal wall thickening about 29.33% of filament under salt stress. Importantly, the efficacy of Spermidine application is particularly pronounced in salt-affected chickpea genotypes, especially the 0.5 mM concentration. The insights gained offer a potential solution to enhance plant tolerance and productivity under adverse conditions.