Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor seed treatments positively affect the physiological condition of maize under drought stress

Abstract

Improvements in agricultural production are needed, as the growing human population demands more resources and exerts stronger effects on climate. Water scarcity is one of the main factors limiting the yield of maize in many regions of the world. One possible method to mitigate the negative effects of drought is seed mortars; its use improves plant development from the early stages onwards. In this study, we tested 12 various seed treatments with and without succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI; sedaxane) on maize “SY Fanatic.” Physiological parameters of germinating seeds, of young maize seedlings under drought, and of seedlings recuperated from drought were assessed and compared across 12 seed treatments and with non-stressed plants. The seed treatments varied greatly in their influence on the germination and the physiological state of seedlings under drought and after regeneration. Seeds under treatments No. 6, 11, and 12 showed the highest germination energy (97.3%). The use of SDHI-containing seed treatments significantly improved the development of the maize root system. The longest roots, ~13 cm in length, were recorded for treatments No. 6 and 12, both containing sedaxane. These treatments also boosted the functioning of plants growing under optimal soil moisture conditions and under drought stress, influencing the photosynthesis process, increasing the absorption of CO2, and improving the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to non-treated controls. Our data indicated that using substances from the SDHI group can possibly reduce the drought-related stress reactions in maize, helping this important crop to face the progressing climate change.

Hermetia illucens frass improves the physiological state of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its nutritional value under drought

“…Drought significantly decreased the values of both Yield and ETR ( Fig 1 ). We also note a decrease in the value of both of these parameters due to drought in our previous studies of other plants [ 36 , 49 , 54 ]. Photosynthesis efficiency in barley [ 55 ] showed only a slight reduction in A, E, and Gs due to drought, which likely reduced the demand for ATP and NADPH, and also reduced Yield and ETR.…”

Response of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Selected Biostimulants under Drought Conditions

“…Pots with a capacity of 6 L were filled with the ready substrate, KRONEN ® BIO soil for herbs and vegetables. A ready-made, commercial medium, which was used in many previous experiments, was used [5,22,23]. Soil quality specification: pH (5.2-6.3); Electrical conductivity (EC): below 90 mS•m −1 ; Particle size: fraction 0-5 mm.…”

“…Plants grown under natural environmental conditions are exposed to the adverse effects of many stress factors. One of such most common abiotic stress factors is drought [5][6][7]. Water deficit in plants is caused by atmospheric drought, which may derive from high temperature, low air humidity, or increased water transpiration.…”

Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions

“…Drought stress in particular has a strong impact on the photosynthesis process, because the first defense mechanism of plants against water shortage is the closure of stomata, which further leads to a chain of processes that reduce the efficiency of photosynthesis and, consequently, a decrease in yield. The nutrition supplied to plants determines their health and also affects the effectiveness of photosynthesis [47,48].…”