Strengthening Drought Resistance in Grass Peas via Plant-Smoke Solutions

Abstract

In this study, the negative effect of drought severity on forage quality in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genotypes and the role of smoke solution in preventing this effect were investigated. For this purpose, seeds primed with two different concentrations of poppy smoke solution were grown in three different environments and pots, including normal irrigation, moderately severe, and severe drought for 28 days. The trials were conducted under controlled conditions in the climate chamber separately for each genotype and environment. After harvest, shoot length, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and mineral contents (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium) ratios were determined. As a result, it was observed that the protein content increased under drought stress for both genotypes, but this increase had a negative effect on mineral content, ADF, and NDF. The application of smoke solution prevented this negative effect and even further increased CP. The highest CP rate was determined as 35.48% at 10% solution dose in moderate drought and 35.12% at the same dose in severe drought. Furthermore, positive effects of smoke solutions at both doses on quality were determined under normal irrigation conditions. Additionally, the population's resistance to drought and response to smoke solutions were higher than the variety. In conclusion, it was revealed that applying a 10% smoke solution in grass pea genotypes has a preventive effect on drought stress.