Abstract
Sorgaab, an aqueous extract of sorghum leaves was applied to probe the modulation in growth and physiological attributes of maize under drought in lab and greenhouse studies. Sorgaab soaked seeds (10 dilutions) were germinated to assess drought tolerance at germination and seedling growth stages. More concentrated Sorgaab solutions (2 mL·L-1) were damaging, while lower concentration in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 mL·L-1 improved the root and shoot growth of maize under drought. Applied drought stress decreased chlorophyll b greater than chlorophyll a that improved the chl a/b ratio. Application of Sorgaab also improved the internal CO2 assimilation, which increased the net photosynthesis and A/E ratio of drought affected plants. Soluble phenolics and anthocyanins were also more increased in plant receiving Sorgaab under drought than control. Although greater concentrations of phenolic acids inhibit the uptake of ions, but its lower concentrations stimulate the uptake of K+, Ca2+, NO3, PO4. In conclusion, although high concentrations of Sorgaab reduced the growth of plants, it might alleviate the adverse effects of drought, if applied at the low concentration. Dilute concentrations of Sorgaab can be utilized as a natural source for improving drought resistance in maize both at germination and later growth stages.
Highlights
Drought is one of the straits which plant has to experience once for the life or the whole life
Greater concentrations of phenolic acids inhibit the uptake of ions, but its lower concentrations stimulate the uptake of K+, Ca2+, NO3, PO4
High concentrations of Sorgaab reduced the growth of plants, it might alleviate the adverse effects of drought, if applied at the low concentration
Summary
Drought is one of the straits which plant has to experience once for the life or the whole life. Phenolic acids produced by plants are found to be among those compounds that. Variation in the concentrations of phenolic acids has a pivotal role in plants survival. Phenolic acids are part of allelochemicals that are produced by the plants against pathogens and mineral competition among plant species [3]. Researches are carried out to find out the concentrations of naturally occurred phenolic acids (allelochemicals) that will prove to be beneficial for plant protection and make their survival possible under drastic conditions. Water extract from sorghum residues has the inhibitory effect on germination and reduced growth of corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat [4]. According to [5], reduction in growth and yield was probably due to phenolic acids which were the characteristic components of sorghum allelopathy
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