Effect of DCPTA on seed germination and seedling growth of spring maize under water stress condition in the cold region of China

To investigate the effects of a plant growth regulator of 2-(3,4-dichloropheNO_xy1)-triethylamino (DCPTA) on the seed germination and the seedling growth of spring maize under drought conditions, Zhengdan 958 was chosen as the experimental material; 15% PEG-6000 was set up to simulate the plant water stress. Treatments of the seed germination experiment were as follows: clean water (CKA1), 15% PEG-6000 solution (CKA2), 0.5 mg/L DCPTA+15% PEG-6000 mixed solution (A1), 1.0 mg/L DCPTA+15% PEG-6000 mixed solution (A2), 1.5 mg/L DCPTA+15% PEG-6000 mixed solution (A3). Treatments of the seedling growth pot experiment were as follows: clean water (CKB1), 15% PEG-6000 (CKB2), 0.5 mg/L DCPTA+15% PEG-6000 (B1), 1.0 mg/L DCPTA+15% PEG-6000 (B2), 1.5 mg/L DCPTA+15% PEG-6000 (B3). The result showed that DCPTA promoted the seed germination, presenting the significant increases of germination potential, germination rate, germination index of drought resistance, the dry weight of radicle and plumule, the length of radicle and plumule and storage substance transportation rate under the condition of water stress; and the 1.0 mg/L DCPTA significantly improved seed germination. The seedling growth pot experiment result showed that the sprays of DCPTA on plants increased the activity of protective enzymes of maize seedlings, the chlorophyll content and the Fo and Fv/Fm values, and promoted the accumulation of proline in plants. It showing a following trend: water >80 mg/L>50 mg/ L>20 mg/L>0 mg/L. The 80 mg/L DCPTA improved the maize seedling growth and development significantly. The outcomes of the present study can provide the theoretical and experimental basis for promoting the germination and seedling growth of spring maize under drought conditions.