Application of Desmodesmus sp. extract as a biostimulant improves physiological adaptation of wheat to salt stress

Abstract

Abstract [Objective] Salt stress is the most important environmental factor affecting wheat germination, growth, and production. In order to investigate the alleviation effect of the biological stimulator Desmodesmus sp. on growth and physiology of wheat seeds and early seedlings under salt stress as well as screening the best application concentration, the study can provide a basis for its application to alleviate the impact of salt stress on wheat. [Methods] Using the petri dish culture method, wheat seeds germinated under 100 mmol/L NaCl were treated with 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L of Desmodesmus sp. extracts (DAE), and germination and growth parameters were measured after 7 days. [Results] DAE alleviated the inhibitory effect of salt stress on seed germination and early seedling growth of wheat. DAE increased the seed germination rate and leaf water content of wheat under salt stress, enhanced the accumulation of biomass, the activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, as well as the content of proline, total soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and chlorophyll, but reduced lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde content, and membrane permeability in leaves. Under 100 mmol/L NaCl, 25 mg/L DAE had the best mitigating effect on wheat seed germination and early seedling growth. [Conclusion] By promoting the germination of wheat seeds, the Desmodesmus sp. extracts can improve the chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and osmotic adjustment ability of wheat seedlings to enhance the adaptability of wheat seeds and young seedlings to salt stress

Keywords

• desmodesmus sp.
• salt stress
• wheat
• seed germination
• seedling growth
• physiological indicator