Influence of combined drought and temperature stresses on the levels of water- and fat- soluble vitamins in plants

Abstract

The antioxidant and cellular reductant properties of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherols) play essential roles in plant physiology. They also have a range of additional functions in the growth and development of plants, as well as their ability to regulate multiple cellular systems in reaction to environmental challenges. The influence of combined temperature and drought-induced stress on the levels of water- and fat-soluble vitamins in barley was investigated in this study, which used barley as a model. To achieve this, plants were grown in the growth chambers with high (+40°C) and low (+10°C) temperatures with and without water supply for 5 days. The amounts of antioxidants other than enzymes were measured, as well as the levels of vitamin E and vitamin C. A significant increase in the concentration of vitamin E was seen at high temperatures, but an increase in the amount of vitamin C was observed at low temperatures, according to the findings. Using the information gathered, researchers may be able to develop new transgenic crops that are more resistant to a broader variety of environmental challenges.