Glutathione and zinc application upregulate the antioxidant system increasing photosynthetic pigments and growth under water stress in maize (ZeamaysL.)

The current study was planned to compare the effects of foliar spray of glutathione and co-applied zinc (Zn) on growth, lipid peroxidation and photosynthetic pigments in relation to alterations in antioxidative potential and biochemicals under drought induced water stress (75% field capacity). Three levels of glutathione (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mM) were applied separately as well as in combination with 0.5% Zn as foliar spray. Water deficit imposed significant adverse effects on growth, biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in association with disturbed metabolic activities increased the lipid peroxidation regarding the contents of H2O2and malondialdehyde (MDA). Glutathione as alone or in combination with Zn alleviated the adverse impacts of water stress significantly of maize growth in association with positive boosting influences on biosynthesis of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, photosynthetic pigments, accumulation of total soluble proteins (TSP), total soluble, reducing, and non-reducing sugars. Overall, the combined application of glutathione with Zn proved better as compared with alone. Moreover, 1.5 mM level of glutathione in combination with Zn was found the most efficient strategy to alleviate the adverse effects on plant in water deficit conditions and technology can be used to enhance the production in water stressed hit areas of the world.