Effects of salicylic acid on photosynthetic pigment content in Ocimum basilicum L. under UV-C radiation stress

Basil plants (Ocimum basilicum L.) were sprayed with salicylic acid (1mM) and exposed to Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation (40 Wm-2) after emergence of six developed leaves. Plants were grown for 18 days and exposed to UV-C for 5 mind-1 alternatively. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoide were considered for analysis of photosynthetic pigments. The results showed that the photosynthetic pigments were decreased under UV-C radiation. Decreasing of photosynthetic pigments under UV-C radiation was significantly alleviated by salicylic acid treatment.