Methyl salicylate (MeSA), a known defense modulator, holds promise as a biostimulant; however, its volatility and poor aqueous solubility limit its applications.
Methyl salicylate (MeSA) inhibited seed germination at ≥ 2.5 mM, whereas M-β-CD promoted germination at low concentrations. Notably, the MeSA/M-β-CD-IC alleviated MeSA-induced inhibition, enabling successful germination across all concentrations. Under cold and heat stress, plants treated with M-β-CD showed robust growth and biomass, while the MeSA/M-β-CD-IC treatment achieved intermediate yet significant protection compared with MeSA alone. Photosynthetic efficiency (Φmax, Fv/Fm, NPQ) and pigment contents were improved in IC-treated plants, reflecting enhanced photoprotection. Cold stress induced higher oxidative damage than heat, but MeSA/M-β-CD-IC markedly reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde accumulation. Molecularly, MeSA/M-β-CD-IC pre-priming enhanced the expression of cold-responsive (CBF, COR) and heat-responsive (HSFA, HSP) genes, along with major antioxidant genes (APX, CAT, GR, POD, SOD), indicating coordinated activation of stress signaling and tolerance pathways.
Thakur, N., Raturi, V., Sreeprakash, A., Sen, S., Kumar Yadav, S., Zinta, G.: Methyl salicylate/methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex modulates plant defense against cold and heat stress. Chem. Biol. Technol. Agric. 13, 19 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-026-00915-1