Physiological and Biochemical Response of Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) to Ambient O3 and the Antiozonant Chemical Ethylenediurea (EDU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Laila A. Baqasi1,2, Huda A. Qari1,2 and Ibrahim A. Hassan2,3
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
2Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies (CEES), King Abdulaziz University, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
3Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, 21589 El Shatby, Alexandria, Egypt.
Corresponding Author E-mail: ihassan_eg@yahoo.com
Abstract: This study was to conducted to investigate the use of ethylenediurea (EDU) as a possible tool to evaluate O3 effects on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants under field conditions in Jeddah. Wheat plants were expsoed to ambient O3 (AA) and the antiozonant chemical ethylenediurea (EDU) in closed fumigation chambers for the full growing season. Growth, yield and physiology were determined in response to O3 and/or EDU. EDU-treated plants had higher photosynthetic rates (24%) and stomatal conductance (25%), which were reflected in higher growth and yield in terms of number of grains. The present study revealed that EDU could be used as a promising tool to mitigate damaging effects of O3 on under field conditions. EDU protected wheat plants leading to increases in photosynthetic rates, growth and yield.
Keywords: Ethylenediurea (EDU); Growth; Ozone; Protection and Yield Back to TOC