Effect of Water Stress on Antioxidant Activity in Alfalfa Seedlings

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), is the most commonly cultured forage legumes, plays a critical role in agricultural systems due to its dietary rate and capacity to improve soil quality. Water stress negatively impacts alfalfa production, affecting their antioxidant systems. Understanding these reactions is crucial for improving drought resistance in alfalfa seedlings. The research aims to assess the influence of water stress on Antioxidant enzyme activity in two drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive alfalfa types, Galalxie Max and Saidi 7, as well as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DGL1 improve antioxidant responses under water stress. Alfalfa seedlings are placed under settings of controlled water deficiency. Photosynthetic pigments, RWC, and Activities of antioxidant enzymes (APX, POD and CAT) are assessed. Additionally, it evaluated the effects of PGPR inoculation on these features. The outcome illustrates that water stress has a significant antioxidant reaction by significantly raising the antioxidant enzyme activity. It decreased plant biomass, chlorophyll content, and RWC while increasing the relationship of ROS. Under dry circumstances, both alfalfa cultivars grew superior after PGPR inoculation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DGL1 with increased water retention, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. This research emphasizes that enhancing antioxidant reactions increases plant flexibility that makes it a feasible tactic for increasing alfalfa cultivation during drought circumstances. Antioxidant reactions are vital for alfalfa's compliance with water stress.