DefinePK

Research Objective

To appraise the potential role of foliar-applied proline as an alternative approach to ameliorate the adverse effects of salinity on wheat.

Methodology

A pot experiment was conducted under controlled environmental conditions using two wheat cultivars (Galaxy-13 salt-sensitive and Pasban-90 salt-tolerant). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement and four replications. After ten days of germination, plants were thinned to six seedlings per pot and irrigated weekly with full strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. Salinity stress (150 mM NaCl) was applied after three weeks of germination. Foliar spray of proline (100 mM) was applied with the salinity treatment. Morphological attributes, yield attributes, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll contents, quantum yield, and electron transport rate (ETR) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using COSTAT computer software, and graphical presentation was done using Microsoft Excel.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Wheat Cultivar Selection Galaxy-13, Pasban-90] --> B[Pot Experiment Setup];
    B --> C[Germination & Thinning];
    C --> D[Hoagland's Nutrient Solution Application];
    D --> E[Salinity Stress Application150 mM NaCl];
    E --> F[Proline Foliar Spray100 mM];
    F --> G[Data Collection Morphological, Yield, Photosynthetic Attributes];
    G --> H[Statistical Analysis COSTAT];
    H --> I[Graphical Presentation Microsoft Excel];
    I --> J[Interpretation & Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study demonstrates that salinity stress negatively impacts various physiological and agronomic traits of wheat. Foliar application of proline acts as a protective agent, mitigating these negative effects by maintaining osmotic potential, stabilizing membranes, and acting as an antioxidant. The findings suggest that proline can significantly enhance salt tolerance in wheat, making it a viable strategy for improving crop productivity in saline environments. The differential response between the two cultivars highlights the importance of cultivar selection in managing salinity stress.

Key Findings

Salinity stress significantly reduced morphological attributes (root and shoot lengths, fresh weights, number of leaves, leaf area) and yield attributes (spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, yield per plant, 100 seed weight) in both wheat cultivars. Salt stress also reduced chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll contents, quantum yield, and ETR. Foliar spray of 100 mM proline was effective in ameliorating the toxic effects of salinity by improving biomass production, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll contents, and quantum yield in both cultivars. The salt-tolerant cultivar (Pasban-90) generally showed better results than the salt-sensitive cultivar (Galaxy-13).

Conclusion

Foliar application of 100 mM proline is an effective method to ameliorate the adverse effects of salinity on wheat, leading to improved biomass production, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content, and quantum yield. Proline application stimulates salt tolerance in wheat plants, offering a promising approach for sustainable agriculture in saline-affected regions.

Fact Check

1. Salinity stress caused a significant reduction in morphological attributes like lengths and fresh weights of root and shoot. (Confirmed by Results and Discussion section, Table 1, Figure 1).
2. Foliar spray of 100 mM proline was effective in ameliorating the toxic effects of salinity. (Confirmed by Key Findings and Conclusion sections).
3. The experiment used two wheat cultivars: Galaxy-13 (salt-sensitive) and Pasban-90 (salt-tolerant). (Confirmed in Methodology section).

Mind Map