Diatomite supplementation improves growth and secondary metabolite accumulation by enhancing antioxidant defense in drought-stressed eggplants
Journal of Plant Nutrition, cilt.49, sa.11, ss.1877-1893, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 49 Sayı: 11
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/01904167.2026.2676641
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Plant Nutrition
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Environment Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1877-1893
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Diatomite, drought stress, eggplant, growth improvement, secondary metabolite, soil amendement
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Drought is an important abiotic stress that negatively affects plant growth and its effect is increasing. Diatomite stands out as an environmentally friendly soil conditioner that supports plant growth in sustainable agriculture. In this study, the effects of diatomite applications (15% and 30%) on drought stress response of eggplant seedlings under different drought levels (100% irrigation-control, 70% irrigation- moderate drought stress, 30% irrigation- severe drought stress) were investigated. The results showed that diatomite provided significant improvements in plant growth parameters. In particular, 15% diatomite application resulted in 93% increase in shoot dry weight and 46% increase in root dry weight under moderate drought conditions. In terms of nutrient uptake, 168% increase in phosphorus uptake and 103% increase in potassium uptake were observed. Diatomite applications also strengthened the antioxidant defence syshoot. Catalase activity increased by 67% under moderate drought conditions and superoxide dismutase activity increased by 133% under severe drought. Oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde levels decreased by 34%. Increases of 124% in total flavonoids and 211% in anthocyanins, which are secondary metabolites, were observed. These results revealed that diatomite applications significantly improved the physiological and biochemical responses of eggplant plants to drought stress. In addition, 15% diatomite application was found to be the most effective dose in alleviating drought stress, while 30% dose did not provide any additional improvement in some parameters under severe drought stress.