Individual and interactive effects of amino acid and paracetamol on growth, physiological and biochemical aspects of Brassica napus L. under drought conditions

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-06, Vol.10 (11), p.e31544-e31544, Article e31544
• Main Authors: Ali, Habib, Mahmood, Imran, Ali, Muhammad Faizan, Waheed, Alishba, Jawad, Husnain, Hussain, Sadam, Abasi, Fozia, Zulfiqar, Usman, Siddiqui, Manzer H., Alamri, Saud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetaminophen; Antioxidants; Chlorophyll; Oxidative stress; Proline; Relative water content; Water stress
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31544

Drought stress poses a significant threat to Brassica napus (L.), impacting its growth, yield, and profitability. This study investigates the effects of foliar application of individual and interactive pharmaceutical (Paracetamol; 0 and 250 mg L−1) and amino acid (0 and 4 ml/L) on the growth, physiology, and yield of B. napus under drought stress. Seedlings were subjected to varying levels of drought stress (100% field capacity (FC; control) and 50% FC). Sole amino acid application significantly improved chlorophyll content, proline content, and relative water contents, as well as the activities of antioxidative enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase and catalase) while potentially decreased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents under drought stress conditions. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between these parameters and seed yield (R2 = 0.8–1), indicating their potential to enhance seed yield. On the contrary, sole application of paracetamol exhibited toxic effects on seedling growth and physiological aspects of B. napus. Furthermore, the combined application of paracetamol and amino acids disrupted physio-biochemical functions, leading to reduced yield. Overall, sole application of amino acids proves to be more effective in ameliorating the negative effects of drought on B. napus. •Drought stress can cause plant physiological index disorder and oxidative stress.•Amino-acid application improved photosynthetic and antioxidative traits under drought stress.•Sole paracetamol application caused toxic effects on crop performance.•Combined application of paracetamol and amino acids also resulted in yield reduction.