Malondialdehyde (MDA): A Marker for Oxidative Damage and Water Deficit Stress in Plants

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage plant cell membranes, leading to the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). MDA is a commonly used biochemical marker for assessing the level of oxidative damage in plants.

MDA is generated through lipid peroxidation in plant cell membranes and serves as a reliable indicator of membrane damage, particularly under drought conditions. This molecule is widely employed to evaluate the effectiveness of various agronomic strategies aimed at improving crop resilience to water deficit stress.

Studies have shown that implementing agronomic practices like nitrogen fertilization or applying plant hormones can mitigate water scarcity stress in crops such as barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). These strategies have been linked to a reduction in MDA content, indicating reduced membrane damage and improved stress tolerance in plants.