Metil Jasmonato na mitigação dos danos morfofisiológicos causados pelo déficit hídrico em plantas de rabanete (Raphanus sativus L)

Abstract

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an edible tuberous root vegetable rich in antioxidants, carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Drought is one of the most limiting factors for crop development and agricultural production. Plants have defense mechanisms and signaling pathways to withstand the problems caused by water scarcity. Among these mechanisms, are the responses mediated by hormones, such as methyl jasmonate (MJ), which has been related to the induction of tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of MJ application on the effects of water deficit on the morphophysiology of radish plants. Plants were submitted to treatments with 80% of field capacity or total water restriction from 15 to 30 days after seedling (DAS), being sprayed with water (control) or 100 µM MJ. The application was carried out every seven days, with manual sprayers. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (irrigation levels x MJ application), with 10 replications, composed by one vessel with one plant. At 30 DAS, morphophysiological parameters were assessed. Water deficit reduced plant growth and gas exchange. On the other hand, the MJ application isolated reduced the specific leaf area and electrolyte leakage. However, it did not affect the other growth and gas exchange parameters. Overall, MJ did not attenuate the effects of the water deficit in radish.