Exogenous application of growth stimulators improves the condition of maize exposed to soil drought

Abstract Soil drought is a major problem in plant cultivation. This particularly true for thermophilic plants, such as maize, which grow areas often affected by precipitation shortage. The may be alleviated using growth and development stimulators. Therefore, the aim of study was to analyze effects 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), zearalenone (ZEN), triacontanol (TRIA) silicon (Si) on water management photosynthetic activity maize under soil drought. experiments covered three developmental stages: leaves, stem elongation heading. impact these substances applied during stress depended stage. 5-ALA chlorophyll levels, gas exchange photochemical PSII. Similar were observed ZEN, additionally induced limited dehydration. Beneficial TRIA visible at stage leaves involved leaf hydration growth. A preparation same triggered similar changes levels. All stimulators significantly transpiration intensity heading