Effect of Lavender Essential Oil, Potassium phosphite and Potassium Silicate on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Gene Expression in Almond Plants Infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of lavender essential oil, potassium silicate and potassium silicate on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and polyphenol oxidase) and the expression of genes associated with these enzymes in almond seedlings infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, the causal agent of bacterial canker in almonds.
Materials and Methods: Almond leaves were treated with different concentrations of lavender essential oil (500, 1000, and 1500 ppm), potassium phosphite and potassium silicate. The activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes, as well as the expression of genes related to these enzymes, were measured at various time points after treatment.
Results: The results showed that lavender essential oil and potassium phosphite and potassium silicate significantly increased the activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. The highest catalase activity was observed in the treatment with 1500 ppm lavender essential oil on the 30th day, while the highest polyphenol oxidase activity was recorded in the same treatment on the 20th day, with both results being statistically significant at the 1% probability level (p ≤ 0.01). Gene expression analysis also revealed that lavender essential oil and potassium phosphite significantly upregulated the expression of catalase and polyphenol oxidase genes.
Conclusion: Lavender essential oil, potassium phosphite and potassium silicate, by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of related genes, can serve as effective methods for controlling bacterial canker in almonds. These natural compounds not only increase plant resistance to disease but also provide a safer alternative to chemical treatments that are harmful to the environment and human health.

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References

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Journal of Epigenetics
Volume 6, Issue 2
November 2025
Pages 76-85

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 19 November 2025

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