Impacts of Various Calcium Concentrations on the Biochemical Characteristics of Corn (Zea mays L.) Seedlings in Drought Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in corn production and quality due to drought. Ca applications are thought to be effective in eliminating this negative effect of drought. The research was conducted in a climatic chamber using a completely randomized experimental design. Four Ca doses were used in this study as research factors. In the study, increases in malondialdehyde, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase levels, as well as leaf proportional water content, membrane damage index, Ca, and potassium contents, were examined. As a result of the research; leaf proportional water content was 55.633–72.103%, membrane damage index 44.540–71.643%, K content 1.967–2.733%, Ca content 0.243–0.497%, malondialdehyde activity 0.090–0.114 nmol g−1 FW, catalase activity 0.015–0.043 nmol g−1 FW and superoxide dismutase varied between 0.011 and 0.027 unit g−1 FW. Drought stress has negative effects on yield and quality properties in crop production. It has been determined that these negative impacts vary depending on the genetic structure of the plants as well as the presence of regulatory elements such as Ca. In this research, it was determined that Ca fertilization under drought stress caused a decrease in K content and some enzymatic activities such as MDI, MDA, CAT, and SOD, and an increase in LWC and Ca contents in corn seedlings. As a result, it is concluded that the applied Ca doses reduced the negative effects of drought. In conclusion, the 400 mg L−1 Ca application is recommended for reducing the negative effects of drought stress.