Asparagine and nitric oxide jointly enhance antioxidant capacity and nitrogen metabolism to improve drought resistance in cotton: Evidence from long ‐term field trials

This study investigates the interaction between asparagine (Asn) and nitric oxide (NO) on cotton's drought tolerance. The combined treatment of Asn and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) improved plant growth, yield, and nitrogen content, while also increasing irrigation water productivity under water-limited conditions. These results suggest that Asn and SNP can be useful tools for sustaining cotton production under drought conditions and supporting the global supply of cotton for the textile industry. AbstractAsparagine (Asn) and nitric oxide (NO) can enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress, but their interaction is not well understood. Cotton is a vital resource for the textile industry, but its yield is reduced by drought stress, which could threaten its global supply in a warming and stressful world. Improving cotton's drought tolerance is crucial for supporting the textile industry. Two simultaneous field experiments were conducted to study the effect of Asn and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, on cotton's drought tolerance. Two irrigation treatments were applied: control (C: 100% A pan) and drought stress (50% A pan). The plants were also sprayed with two plant stimulants before imposing drought stress: Mock control, 20  mM Asn, and 0.2 mM SNP, either alone or together. Drought stress impaired plant growth, photosynthesis, yield, nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant defense, while increasing oxidative stress and free amino acid levels. However, Asn and SNP treatme...
Source: Food and Energy Security - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research