Effect of nicotinic acid in defence of wheat plants against hypoxia under flooding stress

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the research was to investigate the induction of the Triticum aestivum L. non-specific tolerance by nicotinic acid to hypoxia during the flooding stress. Methods. Winter wheat plants cv. Ladyzhynka were grown in laboratory conditions and had been treated by nicotinic acid solution then flooding stress started. The hydrogen peroxide content in leaves and morphometric parameters were measured during the experimental period. Results. It is shown that the influence of the nicotinic acid was essential during the first hour of the flooding stress. After 96 hours of flooding stress the nicotinic acid balanced the hydrogenous peroxide level in wheat leaves close to control. Conclusions. Nicotinic acid decreased the stress level in wheat plants under flooding conditions via regulation of hydrogen peroxide content in leaves. The regulation of the hydrogen peroxide level could influence on plant adaptation to flooding stress and conditions of high humidity, decrease the damage of tissues and prevent their loss under flooding. Nicotinic acid could be used as a perspective component for compound combinations to induce complex stimulation of plant tolerance and defense against plant biotic and abiotic stresses.