Effects of Exogenous Glutathione on Leaf Physiological Properties of Maize Seedling under Drought Stress

To provide evidence for the application of exogenous glutathione(GSH)in water management of maize production and cultivation,the effects of exogenous glutathione on leaf physiological properties of Baiyu1 seedings under drought stress were investigated.The results showed that the membrane permeability,MDA content,the activities of SOD and APX,the contents of GSH,AsA,soluble sugar,proline and soluble protein in leaves were significantly improved by drought stress.However,the activities of POD and CAT,the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid,photosynthetic rate and biomass per plant were significantly reduced by drought stress.The activities of POD,SOD and APX,GSH content,the contents of soluble sugar and praline,the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid,photosynthetic rate and biomass per plant were significantly improved by exogenous GSH treatment.Besides,MDA content and the membrane permeability of leaves were significantly reduced by exogenous GSH.Our results indicated that oxidative stress and osmotic stress were induced by drought stress to maize seedlings.Exogenous GSH could enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes,and increase the contents of antioxidant substances and osmotic adjustment substances under drought stress.Therefore,the injuries of maize induced by drought stress could be alleviated by exogenous GSH.