CHITOSAN AGAINST TO BORON TOXICITY IN MAIZE

Abstract

In this study; growth, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline and MDA contents, the amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (superoxide (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) activities and its isoenzyme profiles, (ascorbate (AsA), dehydro ascorbate (DHA) and glutathione (GSH)) quantities in maize plants ((Zea mays L. cv. Hido) exposed to boron toxicity (B) (8 mM B(OH)3) and B+chitosan (0.01%, foliar (A) and seed soaking (B) applications) conditions in hydroponic culture have been studied comparatively. Boron toxicity significantly reduced growth parameters, chlorophyll, carotenoid, AsA, DHA and CAT activity while increased proline, MDA, oxidants (O2.- and H2O2), SOD, POD, APX and GR activities and GSH levels. B+Chitosan A and B applications significantly reversed the B toxicity-based inhibition in these parameters. It has been suggested that chitosan can be used as a reliable chemical for boron toxicity in maize, since chitosan applications (A and B) cause improvements in terms of all the parameters in the damage caused by B toxicty.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• boron toxicity
• chitosan
• oxidative stress
• maize