Biochemical parameters and physiological changes in maize plants submitted to water deficiency

This study presents the main changes that occur in the metabolism of corn plants submitted to water deficiency, which can directly affect the development and production of the plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and physiological metabolism responses in maize plants submitted to water deficiency. The experimental design was a randomized block in factorial scheme (3 × 3), being three irrigation depths and three evaluation periods with four replications. The treatments simulated two levels of water deficiency and one control: T1 (control treatment) 10–20 kPa; T2 (moderate water deficiency) 50–60 kPa, and T3 (severe water deficiency) 70–80 kPa. The evaluation periods were E1—45 days after emergence (DAE); E2—52 DAE; and E3—59 DAE. The variables analyzed were relative water content; electrolyte leakage; total soluble proteins; nitrate reductase activity; and activity of the antioxidative response system, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. The results showed that stress caused a decrease in the relative water content, reflecting changes in membrane permeability and possible induction of electrolyte losses and an increase in the activities of the enzymes of the antioxidative response system. Thus, corn plants submitted to water deficiency presented interactive responses as a strategy to mitigate the impact of stress.