Physiological responses of spring wheat to 5-aminolevulinic acid under water stress applied at seedling stage

5-Aminolevulinic acid relieves the effects of environmental stresses in plants. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus in spring wheat. Other analyzed parameters involved plant height, relative turgidity, membrane status, and chlorophyll level. The plant material consisted of three genotypes of spring wheat (J × Z, R × K, K × M), subjected to mild and severe drought in the early phase of vegetative development. 5-ALA showed a positive effect on the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus under water stress. The relieving action of 5-ALA on PSII was the most evident in J × Z genotype during severe soil drought. 5-ALA positively influenced the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), the overall performance index of PSII photochemistry (PI) and the effective quantum field of PSII (φEo). In the same genotype, the investigated acid stimulated light energy absorption (ABS/CSm), and enhanced the amount of excitation energy trapped in PSII reaction centers (TRo/CSm) and the amount of energy used for electron transport (ETo/CSm). Moreover, 5-aminolevulinic acid showed its potential to overcome the adverse effects of water deficit on Triticum aestivum L. by increasing plant growth, relative turgidity, and chlorophyll content and reducing the degree of damage to cell membranes at the early phase of vegetative development

Wpływ brasinosteroidów na plonowanie soi w Polsce

Abstract. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of exogenously applied 24--epibrassinolide -one of the brassinosteroids -on the seed yield, seed chemical composition (content of soluble proteins, phytoestrogens, carbohydrates, minerals) and resistance to drought of soybean cultivated in Poland (cv. Aldana and Augusta). Quantitative and qualitative analysis of brassinosteroid content was made in seeds of plants treated with 24-epibrassinolide. Experiments were performed in the field and in greenhouse. Brassinosteroid was applied via presowing seed soaking (0,25 mg·dm -3 ) and spraying of plants (1 mg·dm -3 ). 24-epibrassinolide affected the increase of the weight of seeds per one plant (27-73%) depending on the cultivar as well as growth conditions (occurrence or lack of drought factor at the stage of seed setting). In the seeds, 24--epibrassinolide did not change content of proteins or soluble carbohydrates, but increased phytoestrogen genistein content in cultivar Aldana and decreased level of potassium in cultivar Augusta and calcium level in cultivar Aldana. In soybean seeds, the presence of brassinolide and castasterone was found. 24-epibrassinolide applied exogenously to plants was not accumulated in newly formed seeds. In drought-stressed soybean brassinosteroid showed protective effect on net photosynthesis and photosystem II efficiency