Differential plant growth and osmotic effects of two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars to exogenous glycinebetaine application under drought stress

Abstract

We investigated the effects of exogenous glycinebetaine (GB) and drought stress (DS) on grain yield (GY) and production of dry matter (DM) and osmolytes in two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars i.e. Shaandan 9 (S 9 ) and Shaandan 911 (S 911 ) during the entire growing period. Drought stress substantially reduced DM and GY but increased free proline, endogenous GB, soluble sugar and K ? concentrations in leaves of both cultivars. The DM production, GY, drought index (DI) and concentrations of these osmolytes were greater for S 9 than those for S 911 under DS. The significant differences in these parameters suggested that S 9 was more drought-tolerant as compared to S 911 . Additionally, foliar application of GB increased the concentrations of all osmolytes measured, DM and GY of both cultivars under DS. These positive responses of exogenous GB spray were more pronounced in S 911 as compared to those in S 9 . Further correlation analysis involving a number of parameters indicated that maize production was tighterly correlated with accumulation of the osmolytes measured during DS rather than wellwatered controls. Accordingly, this study demonstrated the notion of an anti-drought role of exogenous GB by osmoregulation under DS, particularly in this drought sensitive cultivar. Thus, exogenous GB application might be firstly used with drought sensitive species/cultivars when exposed to DS.

Extending thermotolerance to tomato seedlings by inoculation with SA1 isolate of Bacillus cereus and comparison with exogenous humic acid application

“…When plants are subjected to environmental stress including heat stress, a variety of ROS are generated [117,118]. These ROS interfere with different organic molecules, resulting in the reduction of photosynthesis and subsequently reduced plant growth [117,119]. Under heat stress, plants are capable of counteracting ROS generation by the production of different antioxidant molecules (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) [117,118].…”

Influence of Glycine Betaine (Natural and Synthetic) on Growth, Metabolism and Yield Production of Drought-Stressed Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants

“…Glycine betaine not only acts as an osmoregulator but also stabilizes the structures and activities of enzymes and protein complexes and maintains the integrity of membranes against the damaging effects of drought [11]. It has been shown that exogenous application of GB could be a promising way to directly maintain and enhance the growth and yield of maize [12][13][14]. Water deficit conditions alter the growth pattern of plants with inhibition in development both qualitatively and quantitatively [15,16].…”

Nitric oxide and light co-regulate glycine betaine homeostasis in sunflower seedling cotyledons by modulating betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase transcript levels and activity

“…Independent roles of NO and GB in abiotic stress are known. [35][36][37][38] Earlier investigations have revealed that endogenous NO derived from nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like activity in plants can have a possible role in maintaining osmolyte accumulation. 16,39 Inhibition of NOS activity affects GB accumulation in maize.…”