[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of ALA applied by foliage spraying and root irrigation on banana plantlets exposed to cold stress. [Method] After applied by foliage spraying and root irrigation with 5-aminolevulinic acid （ALA） at four different concentrations, ＂Brazil banana＂ plantlets were placed in artificial climate boxes at 7 ℃ to imitate low-temperature stress. [Result] The results showed that ALA application by both foliage spraying and root application can significantly increase SOD and POD activities, and reduce O2- generation rate, MDA content and relative conductivity in leaves of banana plantlets, as well as raising proline content, soluble protein content and relative water content, and maintaining the stability of chlorophyll. Foliage application of ALA within concentration range of 0.505.00 mg/L had best effect, which increased the chlorophyll content and reduced the relative conductivity and MDA content significantly compared to root irrigation at the same concentration, and raised SOD and POD activities by 64.5% and 12.3% respectively at 5 mg/L compared to their counterparts by root irrigation. [Conclusion] Foliage spraying of ALA can better mitigate the injuries to banana plantlets caused by low-temperature stress.
