ROOT SYSTEM IN MAIZE PLANTS CULTIVATED UNDER WATER DEFICIT AND APPLICATION OF CHITOSAN

Low water availability is characterized as an abiotic stress that limits the agricultural production. Due to the physical and chemical characteristics of the chitosan (CHT), this substance might stimulate physiological responses on plants to tolerate the water deficit. In this sense, we submitted corn plants to water deficit and application of chitosan on the leaves (140 mg/L) during pre flowering stage. It were analyzed two corn hybrids genotypes contrasting for water deficit tolerance: DKB 390 (tolerant) and BRS1010 (sensitive). Then, we performed evaluations on the root system and production components. Corn plants submitted to the application of chitosan presented a specific behavior: when compared the hybrids, the tolerant one presented a root system that was more developed and an expressive agronomical yield. These results highlight the fact that the chitosan stimulates plant growth, enhancing their root system and contributing to increase the availability and absorption of water and nutrients. The chitosan presents a potential to reduce the negative effects of water deficit on the root systems, without compromising the agronomical yield.