Effect of Methyl Jasmonate and Potassium and Their Combined Action on Drought Tolerance of Fodder Corn

Drought stress is usually caused by a water deficit. Various compounds such as jasmonates and potassium are involved in mitigating stressful conditions such as drought. In the present study, the effects of potassium sulfate (K 2 SO 4 ) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were evaluated on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of fodder corn ( Zea mays L. cv. NS0616). The treatment included different levels of drought stress over a two years’ period. Drought stress caused a significant decrease in growth and yield, starch content, chlorophyll ( a , b , and total) and potassium content in leaves and seeds. A significant increase in catalase activity, soluble carbohydrates, protein, proline, carotenoids and malondialdehyde content was observed compared to the control. Exogenous K 2 SO 4 and MeJA alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress on plants. K 2 SO 4 and MeJA counteracted the inhibitory effects of water deficiency by increasing CAT enzyme activity, proline, soluble carbohydrate, potassium, and protein contents. The results revealed that K 2 SO 4 and the MeJA foliar spray were useful in mitigating the adverse effects of water deficit on fodder maize.