Work

Effects of plant growth regulators on drought resistance of two maize cultivars

Year: 1998

Type: article

Abstract: Seeds of drought-resistant (PAN 6043) and drought-sensitive (SC 701) maize (Zea mays) cultivars were soaked in different concentrations of uniconazol, brassinolide and methyl jasmonate and then germinated. Seven-day-old seedlings were subjected to water stress by PEG treatment (− 1.0 MPa) for 2 days. Uniconazol, brassinolide and methyl jasmonate were able to maintain a higher relative water content and diffusive resistance, and decreased the relative conductivity and transpiration rate in the seedlings of the drought-resistant cultivar, PAN 6043, during water stress periods. Increased drought resistance was obtained with 5 mg l− 1 uniconazol, 12.5 mg l− 1 brassinolide and 25 mg l− 1 methyl jasmonate, respectively. These treatments decreased the relative water content in seedlings of the drought-sensitive cultivar, despite influencing relative conductivity, transpiration rate, and diffusive resistance in a positive way. This indicates that plant growth regulators can be used as a seed pre-treatment in order to lower crap loss due to drought, but that evaluation of individual maize cultivars might be necessary.

Source: South African Journal of Botany

DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6299(15)30844-9

Authors: L. Li, J. van Staden

Institutions: South China Normal University, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Language: English

Topic: Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,750