Effect of Methyl Jasmonate and Potassium and Their Combined Action on Drought Tolerance of Fodder Corn

Abstract

Abstract Drought stress is usually caused by a water deficit. Various compounds such as jasmonates and potassium are involved in mitigating stressful conditions such as drought. In the present study, the effects of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were evaluated on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of fodder corn (Zea mays L. cv. NS0616). The treatment included different levels of drought stress over a two years’ period. Drought stress caused a significant decrease in growth and yield, starch content, chlorophyll (a, b, and total) and potassium content in leaves and seeds. A significant increase in catalase activity, soluble carbohydrates, protein, proline, carotenoids and malondialdehyde content was observed compared to the control. Exogenous K2SO4 and MeJA alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress on plants. K2SO4 and MeJA counteracted the inhibitory effects of water deficiency by increasing CAT enzyme activity, proline, soluble carbohydrate, potassium, and protein contents. The results revealed that K2SO4 and the MeJA foliar spray were useful in mitigating the adverse effects of water deficit on fodder maize.