Methane protects against polyethylene glycol-induced osmotic stress in maize by improving sugar and ascorbic acid metabolism.

ABSTRACT: Although aerobic methane (CH₄) release from plants leads to an intense scientific and public controversy in the recent years, the potential functions of endogenous CH₄ production in plants are still largely unknown. Here, we reported that polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress significantly increased CH₄ production and soluble sugar contents in maize (Zea mays L.) root tissues. These enhancements were more pronounced in the drought stress-tolerant cultivar Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) than in the drought stress-sensitive cultivar Zhongjiangyu No.1 (ZJY1). Exogenously applied 0.65 mM CH₄ not only increased endogenous CH₄ production, but also decreased the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. PEG-induced water deficit s

SUBMITTER: Han B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5384014 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature