Abstract
Purpose
Water deficit is an important factor to challenge food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid climates. In present experiment, silicon (Si) and chitosan were evaluated to affect the growth, yield and physiological behavior of maize (Zea mays L.) under water deficit.
Methods
A pot experiment was conducted in wire house using two soil moisture regimes i.e. 100% field capacity (FC, control) and 50% FC (water deficit), 2 mM Si, 1.0 g chitosan kg−1 soil and 2 mM Si + 1.0 g chitosan kg−1 soil, and replicated thrice.
Results
Water deficit increased malondialdehyde (MDA) while decreased membrane stability index (MSI), nutrients accumulation, chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis, leading to a decline in grain yield of 41.17% compared to control. Silicon or/and chitosan improved the growth, yield and physiological characteristics of maize, with highest improvement by the combined use of Si and chitosan. Integrated use of Si and chitosan improved soluble proteins by 35.84%, photosynthesis 56.57%, MSI 51.38%, relative water content 58.57%, and grain yield 44.31% compared to water deficit without Si and chitosan. Silicon or/and chitosan stimulated antioxidant enzymes activities, maximum increase of 81.47% in SOD, 55.37% POD, and 134.44% CAT, while decrease in MDA 64.31% with Si + chitosan compared to water deficit without Si and chitosan.
Conclusions
For the set of treatments under investigation, integrated use of Si and chitosan could be an important strategy to improve the growth, yield and physiological characteristics of maize under water deficit.
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Availability of Data and Material
Mean data are provided in table file. Replication data are available, and can be provided on request.
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Hafiza Samra Younas: Ph.D. Student, and conducted the submitted research as a part of Ph.D. studies at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.
Muhammad Abid: He designed and supervised the submitted research as major supervisor.
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf: He helped in write-up.
Dr. Muhammad Shaaban: He helped in the execution of submitted research.
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Younas, H.S., Abid, M., Ashraf, M. et al. Growth, Yield and Physiological Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Two Different Soil Moisture Regimes by Supplying Silicon and Chitosan. Silicon 14, 2509–2519 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-021-01033-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-021-01033-3