A study on the effect of methyl jasmonate on physiology parameters and α-amylase enzyme activity in tobacco (Cooker 347 Cultivar) in response to different chlorid concentrations

Jasmonic acid and its methylated ester (Methyl jasmonate) are widely found in plants, as a natural plant growth regulators. Research results show that the use of exogenous jasmonates, change physiological responses to stress in plants. Chlorid (Cl-) is considered as an essential element in plant growth. A small amount of this substance improves the performance and quality of tobacco leaf, while higher levels of Cl- is have revise effect. In this study, the effect of the Methyl jasmonate (30μm) in the form of spray on the leaves at the early growth stages and the different Cl- concentration (50, 150 and 300 mgL-1) was studied.  The experiment was performed with 4 replications, during 2012 crop year at Guilan Tobacco Research Center. Results show, by increasing the Cl- concentration to 300 mgL-1, the Cl- content of leaves increased. By increasing the Cl- concentration to 300 mgL-1, the amount of starch significantly increased, Furthermore, were reducted the content of total protein and α-amylase activity of the middle leaves significantly, while there is no change in content of carotenoids and nicotine. External application of Methyl jasmonate will result in significant reduction of starch and Cl- content of leaves especially in 150 and 300 mgL-1 chlorid- concentration, whereas amounts of nicotine, total protein and carotenoids significantly increased. Moreover, there will be no change in the amount of α-amylase activity.