PJB-2018-982
ENHANCING DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN WHEAT BY FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SILICON THROUGH ALTERATIONS IN MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES
Zahoor Ahmad
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of foliar application of silicon (Si) for enhancing survival ability of plant under drought stress through improving its morphology, physicochemical and antioxidants activities. Treatments were five doses of Si at the rate of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mM and a control. After completion of germination, pots were divided into four distinct groups at various field capacity levels using 100% FC with full irrigation, 75% FC with mild water stress, 50% FC with moderate water stress and 25% FC with severe water stress. Foliar application of Si at the rate 2, 4, 6 and 8 mM and a control were given after 30 days of sowing. Results of the study revealed that increasing the level of drought stress reduced the morphology (i.e., shoot and root fresh and dry weight) and physico-biochemical activities (total chlorophyll contents (SPAD value), total soluble protein, total soluble sugars, total free amino acid contents, proline contents, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)) of wheat; while foliar application of Si at 6 mM at tillering stage enhanced the drought tolerance in wheat by increasing morphology and physiochemical characters under all levels of drought stress. Similarly, antioxidants activities in wheat also enhanced by the application of Si at 6 mM under normal as well as all drought stress levels. Therefore, it may be concluded that foliar application of Si at 6 mM at tillering stage of wheat is an important indication for increasing the drought tolerance by improving the morphology, physiochemical and antioxidants activities in plants under drought stress conditions.
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