Transcriptomic and physiological effects of superabsorbent polymer seed coating on maize under drought stress.

ABSTRACT: Drought stress severely impairs maize germination and early seedling growth, posing a significant threat to global food security. To address this, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are being explored as an effective seed-coating method to improve water availability during the crucial germination phase. However, their comparative efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of three distinct SAPs, two fossil-based (MERCK, SWT) and one natural-based (ABG), on maize germination and seedling development under controlled drought conditions. We integrated physiological (germination rate and NA⁺), biochemical (total phenol content), and transcriptomic (mRNA-seq) analyses to provide a comprehensive multi-level assess

SUBMITTER: Abdolmaleki A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12916425 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature