The foliar application of a mixture of semisynthetic chitosan derivatives induces tolerance to water deficit in maize, improving the antioxidant system and increasing photosynthesis and grain yield.

ABSTRACT: Research has shown that chitosan induces plant stress tolerance and protection, but few studies have explored chemical modifications of chitosan and their effects on plants under water stress. Chitosan and its derivatives were applied (isolated or in mixture) to maize hybrids sensitive to water deficit under greenhouse conditions through foliar spraying at the pre-flowering stage. After the application, water deficit was induced for 15 days. Analyses of leaves and biochemical gas exchange in the ear leaf were performed on the first and fifteenth days of the stress period. Production attributes were also analysed at the end of the experiment. In general, the application of the two chitosan derivatives or their mixture potentiated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutas

SUBMITTER: Rabelo VM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6547683 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature