MITIGATION OF DROUGHT STRESS IN TOMATO WITH ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM (L.) LE JOL. EXTRACTS

Abstract

Growth and development of a plant can be affected due to various biotic and abiotic stresses such as water, salinity, frost and pathogens. Application of seaweeds and their extracts to mitigate plant stresses in agriculture is one of the promising strategies. However, there is less evidence associated with seaweed extract application on drought stress management. In the current study, investigate the effect of brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis. extract (ANE) to mitigate drought stress in tomato plants using physiological, biochemical and molecular biological aspects. The results indicated a rapid recovery (85% compared to 30-40% in controls) of ANE treated plants. It also evident high stomatal conductance , high plant water potential and less wilting in ANE treated plants over controls. Moreover, ANE treatments helped in lowering antioxidant enzyme activities, low lipid peroxidation, low proline accumulation and the lower expression of stress responsive genes under the stress. In conclusion, it is evident that ANE treated plants perform well and recover well under drought stress compare to control plants.