Integrative application of silicon and/or proline improves Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production and antioxidant defense system under salt stress condition

Abstract

Silicon (Si) and/or proline (Pro) are natural supplements that are considered to induce plants' stress tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production is severely afflicted by salinity stress. Therefore, two field tests were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Si and/or Pro (6mM) used as seed soaking (SS) and/or foliar spray (FS) on Sweet corn plant growth and yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant defense systems grown in a saline (EC = 7.14dS m−1) soil. The Si and/or Pro significantly increased growth and yield, photosynthetic pigments, free proline, total soluble sugars (TSS), K+/Na+ratios, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), α-Tocopherol (α-TOC), Ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), enzymatic antioxidants activities and other anatomical features as compared to controls. In contrast, electrolytes, such as SS and/or FS under salt stress compared to controls (SS and FS using tap water) were significantly decreased. The best results were obtained when SS was combined with FS via Si or Pro. These alterations are brought about by the exogenous application of Si and/or Pro rendering these elements potentially useful in aiding sweet corn plants to acclimate successfully to saline soil.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Vital Role of ABA Plays in Drought Tolerance of the ABA-Insensitive Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

“…A rice metabolome analysis revealed that genes and proteins related to aromatic amino acids, especially L-phenylalanine, were associated with drought tolerance [34]. The exogenous application of GABA can increase drought tolerance in plants by regulating photosynthesis and maintaining osmotic pressure [35], in addition to the application of proline, which induces stress tolerance and improves cell membrane homeostasis [36]. This suggests that when drought occurs, it has a greater impact on photosynthesis in S1-0, while S1-50 avoids disruption of the light and system due to its greater drought tolerance and has the potential to regulate its drought tolerance through amino acid metabolism; however, the specific mechanism is less studied and needs to be further researched.…”