Thiourea Supplementation Improves Drought Stress Response of Ridge-Sown and Mulch-Applied Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.) via Improved Leaf Source to Grain Sink Dynamics
Talveer Singh, Parminder Singh Sandhu, Anthony Darrouzet-Nardi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In regions of South Asia where rainfed maize is grown, effective crop management during drought is essential for maximising yield. A variety of water-conserving planting practices are used, and more recently, techniques such as foliar supplementation to maintain nutrients during drought have also shown promise. However, specific combinations of these approaches are often untested for optimality. Here, we explore the effects of two maize planting practices (ridge sowing and mulching) to conserve water, in combination with foliar thiourea. Drought stress response of crop was assessed at two experimental sites (L-I and L-II), through split-plot design (main plots: flat sowing + mulch, flat sowing, ridge sowing + mulch [RS + M] and ridge sowing; sub-plots: unsprayed, water spray, 500 ppm thiourea and 1000 ppm thiourea). Plant performance was assessed via dry matter accumulation, grain growth rate, stomatal parameters, grain yield, stover yield and nitrogen uptake. Rainfall breaks induced three dry spells during the pre-anthesis and grain-filling period. RS + M showed maximum drought tolerance by enhancing rainwater and nutrient use (N uptake [88.1 and 115.1 kg ha−1]) and recorded significantly higher periodic dry matter accumulation (149.2 and 156.8 g) along with higher 1000-grain weight (181.0 and 196.6 g), grain-filling duration (36.3 and 34.9 days) and leaf health parameters over the flat-sown treatments. Furthermore, foliar supplementation of thiourea at 1000 ppm caused improved leaf health, likely through activation of a source to sink response (transfer of energy and materials from leaves to other plant organs) that alleviated moisture stress. Ultimately, the combination of RS + M and 1000 ppm thiourea led to the highest grain yields (32.1 and 39.5 qha−1).
期刊介绍:
The effects of stress on crop production of agricultural cultivated plants will grow to paramount importance in the 21st century, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science aims to assist in understanding these challenges. In this context, stress refers to extreme conditions under which crops and forages grow. The journal publishes original papers and reviews on the general and special science of abiotic plant stress. Specific topics include: drought, including water-use efficiency, such as salinity, alkaline and acidic stress, extreme temperatures since heat, cold and chilling stress limit the cultivation of crops, flooding and oxidative stress, and means of restricting them. Special attention is on research which have the topic of narrowing the yield gap. The Journal will give preference to field research and studies on plant stress highlighting these subsections. Particular regard is given to application-oriented basic research and applied research. The application of the scientific principles of agricultural crop experimentation is an essential prerequisite for the publication. Studies based on field experiments must show that they have been repeated (at least three times) on the same organism or have been conducted on several different varieties.