Vitamins can ameliorate the effects of water deficit on the gas exchange and initial growth of maize

Water deficiency is one of the biggest problems affecting arable areas in the world and has been the main factor limiting crop productivity. In this way, alternatives are sought to help maintain plant growth in these conditions, for which vitamins can be listed as possible beneficial compounds to alleviate this abiotic stress. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the exogenous application of thiamine, nicotinamide and pyridoxine in plants of maize submitted to water deficit. The treatments consisted of the application of three vitamins (thiamine, niacin and pyridoxine) at a concentration of 100 mg L^− 1, in two stages of maize plants development (emergence and V4) and control treatment. After 48 h of vitamins application to plants in stage V4, irrigation was suspended. Vitamins application provided an increase in plant performance for the variables transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net assimilation rate, carboxylation efficiency, plant height and shoot dry matter mass. The time of application influenced the response of the plant to water deficit. Vitamins application acts positively on the protection of plants and consequently on the maintenance of their development when they are subjected to water stress. It is also noteworthy that the vitamins application on plants in the V4 stage is more advantageous, increasing the effectiveness of the treatments.