Exogenously Used 24-Epibrassinolide Promotes Drought Tolerance in Maize Hybrids by Improving Plant and Water Productivity in an Arid Environment

The influence of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR24), applied to leaves at a concentration of 5 mu M, on plant physio-biochemistry and its reflection on crop water productivity (CWP) and other agronomic traits of six maize hybrids was field-evaluated under semi-arid conditions. Two levels of irrigation water deficiency (IWD) (moderate and severe droughts; 6000 and 3000 m(3) water ha(-1), respectively) were applied versus a control (well-watering; 9000 m(3) water ha(-1)). IWD reduced the relative water content, membrane stability index, photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance, and rates of transpiration and net photosynthesis. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities and osmolyte contents were significantly increased as a result of the increased malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage compared to the control. These negative influences of IWD led to a reduction in CWP and grain yield-related traits. However, EBR24 detoxified the IWD stress effects and enhanced all the above-mentioned parameters. The evaluated hybrids varied in drought tolerance; Giza-168 was the best under moderate drought, while Fine-276 was the best under severe drought. Under IWD, certain physiological traits exhibited a highly positive association with yield and yield-contributing traits or CWP. Thus, exogenously using EBR24 for these hybrids could be an effective approach to improve plant and water productivity under reduced available water in semi-arid environments.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR24) on plant physio-biochemistry and crop water productivity under semi-arid conditions. It was found that irrigation water deficiency (IWD) decreased various physiological traits and crop productivity, but EBR24 had a protective effect and improved these parameters. Different maize hybrids showed varied drought tolerance, with certain hybrids exhibiting better performance under moderate or severe drought conditions.