Effects of rice residues and water deficit on growth and metabolism of Triticum aestivum L.

We investigated the morphological and physiological processes of wheat seedlings under the influence of rice residue with and without water stress. Phenolic contents increased in the rice residues amended soil but decreased by activated charcoal (AC). Seedling emergence decreased with increase in dose of rice residue. Wheat seedlings height, dry weight, relative water content and pigment content decreased when grown in residue amended soil with and without water stress. The soil incorporated residues significantly decreased the protein content but water deficit alone and with residue incorporated increased the protein content. Higher level of sugar and proline contents was recorded in the water stressed seedlings in comparison to control and activated charcoal treated seedlings. Electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde contents increased in the stressed seedlings as compared with that recorded in control and activated charcoal treatments. A concentration dependant increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidases was observed in the seedlings grown in soil amended with rice residue while combined stresses resulted in gradual decrease. This study helped in obtaining an insight into crop interaction with combined biotic and abiotic stresses and thus may provide a futuristic goal to maintain sustainable agriculture.