Pre-treatment for heat tolerance enhancement of the Indian almond (Pithecellobium dulce) seedlings using ascorbic acid and potassium chloride

Abstract In light of global warming, pre-treatment plants with antioxidants may reduce the damage caused by climatic changes. Indian almond seedlings were planted in pots subjected to ascorbic acid and potassium chloride alone or combined to reduce the negative impact of high field temperature. Compared with the control, all treatments improved the plant height, branch number, number of leaves, and leaf area. These treatments reduced loss in concentration of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid. Heat stress increased abscisic acid content and electrolyte leakage percentage, whereas the application of ascorbic acid alleviated this damage. Indian almond plants can better withstand high temperatures particularly using ascorbic acid treatments at 50 mg l−1 or treatment of ascorbic acid at 50 mg l−1 + potassium chloride at 250 mg l−1 to reduce heat stress damage.