Effect of Zinc Foliar Fertilization Alone and Combined with Trehalose on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth under the Drought

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely grown cereals in the world. Its cultivation is affected by abiotic stress caused by climate change, in particular, drought. Zinc (Zn) supplied by foliar nutrition can increase plant resistance to water stress by enhancing physiological and enzymatic antioxidant defence mechanisms. One of the possibilities to reduce the effect of drought on plant production is also the utilization of trehalose. In order to confirm the effect of the foliar application of selected forms of Zn (0.1% w/v solution)—zinc oxide micro- (ZnO) and nanoparticles (ZnONP), zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and zinc chelate (ZnEDTA)—a pot experiment in controlled conditions was conducted in combination with trehalose (1% w/v solution) on selected growth parameters of maize exposed to the drought stress. A significant effect of coapplication of Zn and trehalose on chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, root electrical capacity, weight of maize aboveground biomass (AGB) and Zn content in AGB was found. At the same time, the hypothesis of a positive effect of carbohydrates on increasing the uptake of foliar-applied Zn was confirmed, especially for the ZnEDTA and ZnSO4. This paper presents the first empirical evidence of the trehalose addition to sprays for zinc foliar fertilization of maize proving to be an effective way of increasing the resistance of maize grown under drought stress conditions.

Enhancing maize productivity under abiotic stresses through the combined use of nitrogen, potassium humate, and zinc

“…In wheat, Zhang et al, 2021 stated that, foliar Zn and soil N applications effectively raised wheat grain production and N and Zn concentrations, especially in the endosperm, and this is could be useful approaches to treat Zn insufficiency. In dry conditions, foliar application of zinc either alone or in conjunction with other substances like trehalose can improve maize growth and nutrient status (Klofac et al, 2023). While N fertilization increases overall grain yields and nutrient concentrations, there are still some restrictions on the precise advantages of applying N and the foliar application of Zn together.…”