Physiological responses of pakcoy (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) to chitosan application under short-term drought stress

Rafael Raditya Prabowo; Sri  Wulandari; Nadya Farah; Lukita Devy; Eka  Nurhangga; Dwi P.  Handayani; Winda  Nawfetrias

doi:10.31849/29973

Authors

Rafael Raditya Prabowo Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Republic of Indonesia Defense University (RIDU), Bogor 15141, Indonesia
Sri Wulandari Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, Serang 42171, Indonesia
Nadya Farah Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Republic of Indonesia Defense University (RIDU), Bogor 15141, Indonesia
Lukita Devy Research Center for Horticulture, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor 16915, Indonesia
Eka Nurhangga Research Center for Horticulture, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor 16915, Indonesia
Dwi P. Handayani Research Center for Horticulture, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor 16915, Indonesia
Winda Nawfetrias Research Center for Horticulture, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor 16915, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/29973

Keywords:

chitosan biostimulant, oxidative stress, proline accumulation, water deficit, principal component analysis

Abstract

Drought stress is a major environmental factor limiting leafy vegetable productivity in greenhouse cultivation. Chitosan is widely reported as a biostimulant that may enhance stress tolerance through physiological and biochemical regulation. This study aimed to evaluate physiological responses of pakcoy (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) to foliar-applied chitosan under short-term drought stress conditions. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a factorial design with three chitosan concentrations (0, 1, and 2 g L⁻¹) and three drought durations (0, 2, and 4 days without irrigation prior to harvest). Growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, proline accumulation, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, and leaf area were measured to assess plant responses. Results showed that moderate chitosan application (1 g L⁻¹) helped maintain plant growth and physiological stability under mild drought conditions. In contrast, higher chitosan concentrations increased oxidative responses, indicated by elevated H₂O₂ and proline levels. Principal component analysis revealed distinct physiological response patterns associated with chitosan dosage and drought duration. The study provides insights into the dose-dependent role of chitosan in modulating physiological responses of leafy vegetables under short-term water deficit.

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