Extract of Heterotheca inuloides Cass. as a biostimulant of the growth and quality of Rubus idaeus L. under salt stress

Arnica in raspberries under salinity

Resumen

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is susceptible to various environmental stressors, which reduces fruit yield and quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arnica (Heterotheca inuloides Cass.) extract on raspberry plants under salt stress conditions. Plants were subjected to four sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0 mM, 30 mM, 50 mM, and 80 mM), with or without the application of arnica extract (1,000 mg L-1). A control group without NaCl or extract application was also included. In plants exposed to salt stress, the application of H. inuloides extract led to in creased concentration of anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids, total sugars, and antioxidant activity (ABTS), as well as enhanced enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in fruits of the Adelita raspberry variety. These findings suggest that H. inuloides extract can strengthen both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in raspberries, offering a potential eco-friendly strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on crop productivity and fruit quality. raspberry plants under salt stress strengthens the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system in var raspberry fruits var. Adelita.