Zearalenone and nanozeolite improve Arugula (Eruca sativa) drought tolerance by enhancing photosynthesis and water relations.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of zearalenone (ZEN) and nanozeolite (NZ) on arugula (Eruca sativa) under deficit irrigation in a controlled greenhouse environment. Using a split-plot design, two irrigation levels (100% and 70% field capacity: FC) were applied, along with ZEN (60 and 120 ppb), NZ (1.5 and 3 ppm), and a control with no additives. Both ZEN and NZ significantly enhanced arugula's drought tolerance by improving photosynthetic efficiency, water use efficiency (WUE), plant water status, growth, proline accumulation, and antioxidant activity. Notably, NZ at 3 ppm was most effective, increasing net photosynthesis by 2.84-fold, WUE by 2-fold, and reducing transpiration by 4.33-fold and electrolyte leakage by 1.19-fold under 70% FC compared to the control. NZ at this concentrati

SUBMITTER: Zeinalipour N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12328617 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature