Exogenous Application of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Mitigates Salt-Induced Oxidative Damage in Sorghum Plants through Regulation Growth, Leaf Pigments, Ionic Homeostasis, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Expression of Salt Stress Responsive Genes

In plants, α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is considered a dithiol short-chain fatty acid with several strong antioxidative properties. To date, no data are conclusive regarding its effects as an exogenous application on salt stressed sorghum plants. In this study, we investigated the effect of 20 µM ALA as a foliar application on salt-stressed sorghum plants (0, 75 and 150 mM as NaCl). Under saline conditions, the applied-ALA significantly (p ≤ 0.05) stimulated plant growth, indicated by improving both fresh and dry shoot weights. A similar trend was observed in the photosynthetic pigments, including Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids. This improvement was associated with an obvious increase in the membrane stability index (MSI). At the same time, an obvious decrease in the salt induced oxidative damages was seen when the concentration of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced in the salt stressed leaf tissues. Generally, ALA-treated plants demonstrated higher antioxidant enzyme activity than in the ALA-untreated plants. A moderate level of salinity (75 mM) induced the highest activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Meanwhile, the highest activity of catalase (CAT) was seen with 150 mM NaCl. Interestingly, applied-ALA led to a substantial decrease in the concentration of both Na and the Na/K ratio. In contrast, K and Ca exhibited a considerable increase in this respect. The role of ALA in the regulation of K+/Na+ selectivity under saline condition was confirmed through a molecular study (RT-PCR). It was found that ALA treatment downregulated the relative gene expression of plasma membrane (SOS1) and vacuolar (NHX1) Na+/H+ antiporters. In contrast, the high-affinity potassium transporter protein (HKT1) was upregulated.

Download Full-text

Alleviation of waterlogging stress in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) by exogenous application of potassium in soil and as a foliar spray

Crop and Pasture Science ◽

10.1071/cp09225 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 25 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Muhammad Arslan Ashraf ◽

Muhammad Sajid Aqeel Ahmad ◽

Muhammad Ashraf ◽

Fahad Al-Qurainy ◽

Muhammad Yasin Ashraf

Keyword(s):

Photosynthetic Pigments ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Foliar Spray ◽

Water Relation ◽

Gas Exchange Parameters ◽

Exogenous Application ◽

Waterlogging Stress ◽

Combined Application ◽

Cotton Plants ◽

Waterlogging Treatment

The effectiveness of exogenous application of K in ameliorating the adverse effects of waterlogging on cotton plants was assessed under greenhouse conditions. Forty-day-old plants were subjected to continuous flooding for 1 week and then K (60 kg ha–1) was applied either as soil application, foliar spray, or in combination. The waterlogging treatment significantly reduced plant height and fresh and dry biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters and nutrient accumulation (N, K+, Ca2+) in stem, root and leaves of cotton plants, Although Mg2+ content in roots increased significantly due to waterlogging, it was not affected in stem or leaves. In contrast, Mn2+ and Fe2+ contents generally increased under waterlogged conditions. All water relation parameters were also significantly influenced by waterlogging stress. Waterlogged plants supplemented with K showed a significant improvement in growth, photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic capacity. Potassium supplementation also improved nutrient uptake of waterlogged plants and resulted in significantly higher accumulation of K+, Ca2+, N, Mn2+ and Fe2+ than those plants not supplied with K. Although all modes of K application were effective in mitigating the inhibitory effects of waterlogging, the combined application through soil + foliar spray yielded the best results and the foliar application (alone) being the least effective.

Download Full-text

Improvement of antioxidant activities and yield of spring maize through seed priming and foliar application of plant growth regulators under heat stress conditions

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n1p47 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 47 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ijaz Ahmad ◽

Shehzad Maqsood Ahmed Basra ◽

Muhammad Akram ◽

Allah Wasaya ◽

Muhammad Ansar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Foliar Spray ◽

Seed Priming ◽

Chlorophyll Contents ◽

Exogenous Application ◽

Hybrid Maize

Heat stress during reproductive and grain filling phases adversely affects the growth of cereals through reduction in grain’s number and size. However, exogenous application of antioxidants, plant growth regulators and osmoprotectants may be helpful to minimize these heat induced yield losses in cereals. This two year study was conducted to evaluate the role of exogenous application of ascorbic acid (AsA), salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) applied through seed priming or foliar spray on biochemical, physiological, morphological and yield related traits, grain yield and quality of late spring sown hybrid maize. The experiment was conducted in the spring season of 2007 and 2008. We observed that application of AsA, SA and H2O2 applied through seed priming or foliar spray improved the physiological, biochemical, morphological and yield related traits, grain yield and grain quality of late spring sown maize in both years. In both years, we observed higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activity in the plants where AsA, SA and H2O2were applied through seed priming or foliar spray than control. Membrane stability index (MSI), relative water contents (RWC), chlorophyll contents, grain yield and grain oil contents were also improved by exogenous application of AsA, SA and H2O2 in both years. Seed priming of AsA, SA and H2O2was equally effective as the foliar application. In conclusion, seed priming with AsA, SA and H2O2 may be opted to lessen the heat induced yield losses in late sown spring hybrid maize. Heat tolerance induced by ASA, SA and H2O2 may be attributed to increase in antioxidant activities and MSI which maintained RWC and chlorophyll contents in maize resulting in better grain yield in heat stress conditions.

Download Full-text

Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate induces defense response and develops tolerance against mungbean yellow mosaic India virus in Vigna mungo

Functional Plant Biology ◽

10.1071/fp18168 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 69 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Nibedita Chakraborty ◽

Jolly Basak

Keyword(s):

Methyl Jasmonate ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Stability Index ◽

Protective Role ◽

Membrane Stability ◽

Vigna Mungo ◽

Marker Genes ◽

Exogenous Application ◽

Ros Homeostasis

Vigna mungo (L.)Hepper is an economically important leguminous crop in south-east Asia. However, its production is severely affected by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). It is well established that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is effective in inducing resistance against pathogens in several plants. To assess the role of MeJA in developing MYMIV tolerance in V. mungo, we analysed time-dependent biochemical and molecular responses of MYMIV susceptible V. mungo after exogenous application of different MeJA concentrations, followed by MYMIV infection. Our analysis revealed that exogenous application of different concentrations of MeJA resulted in decreased levels of malondialdehyde with higher membrane stability index values in MYMIV susceptible V. mungo, suggesting the protective role of MeJA through restoring the membrane stability. Moreover, the level of expression of different antioxidative enzymes revealed that exogenous MeJA is also very effective in ROS homeostasis maintenance. Enhanced expressions of the defence marker genes lipoxygenase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and the reduced expression of the MYMIV coat-protein encoding gene in all MeJA treated plants post MYMIV infection revealed that exogenous application of MeJA is effective for MYMIV tolerance in V. mungo. Our findings provide new insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of MYMIV tolerance in Vigna induced by MeJA.

Download Full-text

Effect of Exogenous Application of Amino Acids L-Arginine and Glycine on Maize under Temperature Stress

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10060769 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 769 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kinga Matysiak ◽

Roman Kierzek ◽

Idzi Siatkowski ◽

Jolanta Kowalska ◽

Roman Krawczyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Temperature Stress ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Lateral Roots ◽

Thermal Conditions ◽

Growth Stages ◽

Exogenous Application ◽

C 23 ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Positive Effect

Temperature strongly influences the growth of maize, particularly in the early growth stages. The exogenous application of some amino acids has been proven to have a positive effect on plant growth and development under stressful conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the response of maize that was grown under an optimal and stress (fluctuating) temperature to L-Arginine (L-Arg) and Glycine (Gly) application. In the study, it was assumed that the exogenously applied amino acids would alleviate the adverse effects of temperature stress on the maize height, as well as on the biomass of shoots and roots. Ten concentrations of each amino acid from 0.006 mM to 9.0 mM were tested under constant temperature conditions 20–22 °C/23–25 °C (night/day) an fluctuating stress of rising and dropping temperatures between 12–15 °C (night) and 30–38 °C (day). The amino acids were applied to the crop at growth stages V3–V4. In plants that were obtained from seeds pre-treated with L-Arg and Gly, the amino acids increased both the length of radicles and the number of lateral roots. A large discrepancy between the effects of the two amino acids was observed after foliar application. Under optimal thermal conditions, L-Arg increased the mass of shoots and roots by 55–59%. Under stress conditions, root mass was increased even by 100% when compared to the control plants. The best results were recorded at concentrations of 6 mM and 3 mM. Plants that were treated with Gly concentrations generally reached the height of untreated plants or less. It was shown that Gly applied at concentrations of 0.2 mM to 3 mM has a negative effect on the fresh mass of the crop.

Download Full-text

Zn-localization and anatomical changes in leaf tissues of green beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) following foliar application of Zn-lignosulfonate and ZnEDTA

Scientia Horticulturae ◽

10.1016/j.scienta.2017.12.002 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 231 ◽

pp. 15-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Antonio Minnocci ◽

Alessandra Francini ◽

Stefania Romeo ◽

Alfredo Daniele Sgrignuoli ◽

Giovanni Povero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phaseolus Vulgaris ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Phaseolus Vulgaris L ◽

Green Beans ◽

Anatomical Changes ◽

Leaf Tissues

Download Full-text

Exogenous Application of Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Mitigates Drought-Induced Oxidative Damages in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10102066 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2066

Author(s):

Mohammed Mohi-Ud-Din ◽

Dipa Talukder ◽

Motiar Rohman ◽

Jalal Uddin Ahmed ◽

S. V. Krishna Jagadish ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Salicylic Acid ◽

Methyl Jasmonate ◽

Antioxidant Defense ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Antioxidant Defense System ◽

French Bean ◽

Defense System ◽

Growth Physiology ◽

Exogenous Application ◽

Combined Application

Drought stress impairs the normal growth and development of plants through various mechanisms including the induction of cellular oxidative stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the growth, physiology, and antioxidant defense system of drought-stressed French bean plants. Application of MeJA (20 μM) or SA (2 mM) alone caused modest reductions in the harmful effects of drought. However, combined application substantially enhanced drought tolerance by improving the physiological activities and antioxidant defense system. The drought-induced generation of O2●− and H2O2, the MDA content, and the LOX activity were significantly lower in leaves when seeds or leaves were pre-treated with a combination of MeJA (10 μM) and SA (1 mM) than with either hormone alone. The combined application of MeJA and SA to drought-stressed plants also significantly increased the activities of the major antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase as well as the enzymes of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. Taken together, our results suggest that seed or foliar application of a combination of MeJA and SA restore growth and normal physiological processes by triggering the antioxidant defense system in drought-stressed plants.

Download Full-text

Exogenous Application of Melatonin Improves Drought Tolerance in Coffee by Regulating Photosynthetic Efficiency and Oxidative Damage

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science ◽

10.21273/jashs04964-20 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 146 (1) ◽

pp. 24-32

Author(s):

Sylvia Cherono ◽

Charmaine Ntini ◽

Misganaw Wassie ◽

Mohammad Dulal Mollah ◽

Mohammad A. Belal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drought Stress ◽

Drought Tolerance ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Photosynthetic Efficiency ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Foliar Spray ◽

Chlorophyll Degradation ◽

Guaiacol Peroxidase ◽

Protective Agent ◽

Exogenous Application

The protective role of melatonin in plants under abiotic stress has been reported, but little information is available on its mitigation effect on coffee (Coffea arabica) plants. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous application of 100 µM melatonin in coffee leaves under 3 months of drought stress treatment. Melatonin was found to alleviate the drought-induced damage in coffee through reducing the rate of chlorophyll degradation, electrolyte leakage, malonaldehyde content, and activating various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Melatonin application suppressed the expression of chlorophyll degradation gene PAO encoding pheophorbide a oxygenase, and upregulated the expression of photosynthetic gene RBCS2 encoding ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase (Rubisco) protein, and a drought-related gene AREB encoding abscisic acid-responsive element binding protein. The photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II under dark adaptation was also improved upon melatonin application in drought-stressed plants. Our results showed that both foliar spray and direct soil application of melatonin could improve drought tolerance by regulating photosynthetic efficiency and oxidative damage in C. arabica seedlings. This study provides insights in application of melatonin as a protective agent against drought stress in improvement of crop yields.

Download Full-text

Foliar application of melatonin induces tolerance to drought stress in Moldavian balm plants (Dracocephalum moldavica) through regulating the antioxidant system

Folia Horticulturae ◽

10.2478/fhort-2018-0016 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 155-167 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Rozita Kabiri ◽

Ali Hatami ◽

Hakimeh Oloumi ◽

Mehdi Naghizadeh ◽

Fatemeh Nasibi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drought Stress ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Leaf Length ◽

Stress Conditions ◽

Guaiacol Peroxidase ◽

Severe Drought ◽

Wide Range ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Relative Water ◽

Leaf Surface Area

Abstract Melatonin, as an indoleamine molecule, regulates a wide range of physiological functions during the growth, morphogenesis and response of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this research, the effect of exogenous application of melatonin (0 (distilled water), 50, 100 and 150 µM) to the leaves of Moldavian balm plants grown under different levels of drought stress (100% (control), 80%, 60% and 40% of field water capacity) was investigated. The results indicate that plants which were treated with 100 µM melatonin showed the greatest leaf surface area, lateral branching, flower length and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase). Foliar application of 100 µM melatonin had no significant difference in catalase activity in comparison with the control and other concentrations of melatonin under normal, moderate and severe drought stress conditions. The lowest H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation (electrolyte leakage, concentrations of malondialdehyde and other aldehydes) were obtained at the concentration of 100 µM melatonin under severe drought stress. This concentration also significantly increased the chlorophyll content and enhanced the relative water content; however, foliar application of 100 µM melatonin had no significant effect on leaf length and proline content compared with the control under normal and stress conditions. The obtained results suggested that foliar application of 100 µM melatonin was more effective than the concentrations of 50 and 150 µM melatonin in reducing the adverse effects of moderate and severe drought stress.

Download Full-text

Effects of Exogenous Application of Osmotic Adjustment Substances on Growth, Pigment Concentration, and Physiological Parameters of Dracaena sanderiana Sander under Different Levels of Salinity

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10010125 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 125 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pedro García-Caparrós ◽

Alfonso Llanderal ◽

Elodie Hegarat ◽

María Jiménez-Lao ◽

María Teresa Lao

Keyword(s):

Osmotic Adjustment ◽

Glycine Betaine ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Stomatal Density ◽

Soluble Sugars ◽

Physiological Parameters ◽

Clear Trend ◽

Exogenous Application ◽

Mode Of Application ◽

Dracaena Sanderiana

We evaluated two osmotic adjustment substances (glycine betaine (GB) and glycine (G) and a combination of both glycine + glycine betaine (G + GB) using two modes of application; irrigation and foliar sprays with Dracaena sanderiana plants. The plants were grown in containers and subjected to two levels of NaCl concentrations (2.0 and 7.5 dS m−1) over 8 weeks. Growth, pigment concentrations, and physiological parameters were assessed at the end of the trial. The foliar application of GB resulted in most optimal plant growth and biomass production in the presence of NaCl. The chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations showed different trends depending on the osmotic adjustment substance applied and the mode of application. Stomatal density and dimensions varied considerably with respect to the osmotic adjustment substance supplied. The concentration of soluble sugars in leaves did not show a clear trend under the different treatments assessed. The exogenous application of G resulted in the highest concentration of free proline and proteins in leaves. The antioxidant capacity in leaves increased with both osmotic adjustment substances, and both means of application, under low and high saline conditions. We concluded that the foliar application of GB can be recommended in order to achieve cost-effective growth of D. sanderiana under saline conditions.

Download Full-text

Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) on the Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Postharvest Quality of Polygonatum multiflorum L. All. ‘Variegatum’ Cut Foliage

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10101502 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1502

Author(s):

Katarzyna Rubinowska ◽

Elżbieta Pogroszewska ◽

Paweł Szot

Keyword(s):

Aminolevulinic Acid ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Postharvest Quality ◽

Vase Life ◽

Chl A ◽

Plant Cultivation ◽

Cut Foliage ◽

Cut Leaves ◽

Cultivation Site

Due to the dynamic development of the floriculture market, new species and varieties of plants that can potentially be used as a source of cut greenery are constantly being sought. The experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of the cultivation site (unheated foil tunnel and open field) and treatments with the Pentakeep V formulation (0.00%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06%) on the vase life and postharvest quality of Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’ cut foliage. There was a positive effect of the cultivation in the unheated foil tunnel on the vase life and biochemical parameters, namely the electrolyte leakage (EL), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), chlorophyll a + b (Chl. a + b), proline, peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), of P. multiflorum cut foliage. Foliar application of Pentakeep V formulation at concentrations of 0.04% and 0.06% contributed to a decrease in the TBARS content in the P. multiflorum cut leaves, regardless of the plant cultivation site. Additionally, it reduced proline production in cut leaves of P. multiflorum cultivated in the unheated foil tunnel, which was confirmed by the analyses carried out after the 30 days of the experiment. Furthermore, the exogenous application of ALA during P. multiflorum cultivation inhibited POD activity, irrespective of its concentration and the site of plant cultivation.

Download Full-text