Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Ph.D. graduate, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, , Maragheh, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, , Maragheh, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
4
MSc. student, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, , Maragheh, Iran
10.22034/plant.2024.142333.1130
Abstract
With the growing challenges caused by environmental stresses such as drought, improving strategies to mitigate these stresses has become increasingly critical. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth and biochemical responses of grapefruit mint under drought stress. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three levels of drought stress (90%, 70%, and 50% of field capacity) and six fertilizer treatments, including no fertilizer (control), AMF, CQD at 5 ppm (CQD5), CQD at 10 ppm (CQD10), AMF + CQD5, and AMF + CQD10, in four replications. Results showed that the combined application of AMF + CQD10 significantly improved plant growth and increased the dry matter yield of grapefruit mint under optimal irrigation conditions. Under severe drought stress, control plants exhibited the highest levels of oxidative damage, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content. However, AMF + CQD treatments effectively reduced these stress markers. Additionally, under drought stress conditions, the application of AMF + CQD10 led to significant increases in phenol, flavonoid, proline, soluble carbohydrates, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid contents, suggesting enhanced drought tolerance in grapefruit mint. Also, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were also strengthened in this treatment. In conclusion, the combined application of AMF and CQD10 can effectively improve defense and biochemical characteristics of grapefruit mint under drought stress.
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