Root system of maize plants cultivated under water deficit conditions with application of chitosan.

ALMEIDA, L. G.; SILVA, E. M. da; MAGALHAES, P. C.; KARAM, D.; REIS, C. O. dos; GOMES JÚNIOR, C. C.; MARQUES, D. M.

Root system of maize plants cultivated under water deficit conditions with application of chitosan.

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Descripción

Low water availability is regarded as an abiotic stress that limits the agricultural production. Due to the physical and chemical characteristics of chitosan (CHT), this substance might stimulate physiological responses on plants with respect to water deficit tolerance. In this sense, maize plants were submitted to water deficit and leaf application of chitosan (140 mg/L) during pre-flowering stage. Two maize hybrids, presenting different water deficit tolerance levels, were used: DKB 390 (tolerant) and BRS1010 (sensitive). Evaluations of the root system and production components were conducted. Maize plants submitted to leaf application of chitosan at the dose of 140 mg/L presented specific behavior in regard to hybrids. The tolerant type presented a more developed root system and an expressive agronomical yield when compared to the sensitive type. These results were probably obtained due to the stimulating effect of CHT on plant growth, enhancing the root system development and contributing to increase the availability and absorption of water and nutrients. Chitosan presents potential to reduce the harmful effect of water deficit on the root system, without negatively compromising the agronomical yield.