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Chitosan enhances drought tolerance in Dianthus caryophyllus via antioxidant regulation and osmotic adjustment
Abstract
Severe water shortages limit horticultural crop growth and development, compromising production. A thorough understanding of novel tools to enhance stress tolerance in crops is crucial for coping with the growing environmental challenges to world crop production in this century. Chitosan water solutions at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 2, and 5 µM were applied to Dianthus caryophyllus (carnation) plants that were watered every two days or every six days for six weeks. Morphological, physiological, and metabolic indicators related to plant responses to water deficit were investigated. Chitosan-treated plants (0.5 and 2 µM) showed significant improvements in all growth features compared with the untreated plants during both regular and longer watering periods. Growth improvements in chitosan-treated plants were linked to higher chlorophyll, carbohydrate, proline, potassium, and calcium levels. Increases in phenol and free and total ascorbate levels were observed in the treated plants. Plants also had higher levels of antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, in their leaves. The H₂O₂ accumulated to a lesser degree. Longer gaps between watering led to smaller plant sizes, which was considered a drought-avoidance response, linked to higher levels of carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, proline, and chlorophyll, helping the plants manage water pressure and stay hydrated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was controlled by enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods. Plant response mechanisms for enhanced drought resistance interact under chitosan treatment to improve plant performance under stress conditions.
