Water constitutes 80-90% of the plants total weight. Water ensures uptake and movement of nutrients in the plant and also translocation of sugars. Any water stress due to delayed rainfall (especially in rainfed crops) results in abiotic stress and reduction in plant yield. In such a situation, Potassium plays a very important role, because it controls the opening and closing of stomata, thus achieving osmo-regulation. It also activates stress enzymes and maintains ion balance. Lower water availability leads to formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) like Singlet oxygen (O2⋅−), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and Hydroxyl radical (⋅OH). Use of antioxidants is required to scavenge harmful ROS. Proline (Pr), Cata(CAT) , Glycine Betaine (GB) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) stop ROS formation and protect the crop from stress.
Therefore, use of foliar application of Potassium which contains Glycine Betaine (GB) helps the plant to withstand water stress conditions.
