Document Type : Articles
Author
Biotechnology & Crop Science Department, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Abstract
Drought is considered an important constraint that hampers the growth, development, and productivity of Zea mays crops worldwide. The study is intended to determine changes in the morphological, physiological, antioxidant, and yield parameters of corn crops caused by drought, and assess the effects of chitosan NPs in reducing physiological and biochemical changes and overcoming drought-induced yield losses. The drought was maintained during the vegetative phase on two drought-contrasting maize hybrids, ZP6666 (tolerant) and Drami (sensitive), by limiting irrigation and maintaining 50% field capacity (moderate DS), and 25% field capacity (severe DS). Chitosan NPs were sprayed with 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1 corn leaves. Using 100 mg L-1 chitosan NPs significantly increased most characteristics, except RWC, which showed a non-significant response in drought-prone maize leaves. The recovery of drought was notable in both hybrids. Water stress as moderate and severe drought stress conditions reduced kernel yield/pot, while spraying chitosan nanoparticles on maize leaves increased yields by 42 and 10 percent for tolerant and 8.5 and 9 percent for sensitive hybrids at both stress conditions respectively. This study suggests that chitosan NPs with concentrations of 100 mg L-1 play a remarkable role in combating the negative effects of drought. These nanoparticles can improve the plant's osmotic state, activate ROS elimination enzymes to maintain membrane integrity and cell protection, and increase yields in drought conditions.
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