The promising role of exogenous smethylmethionine in agriculture, in the case of maize cultivation

Abstract

Abiotic and biotic stress conditions have negative effects on growth and yield of crop plants worldwide. The need to improve the nutritional value, stress and disease tolerance of cultivated plants is of great importance. The problem is usually solved by breeding or by the production of transgenic plants; however, the application of biologically active substances with favourable properties can be an alternative, cost- and time-effective possibility. S-methylmethionine (SMM) is an intermediate compound in the plant sulphur metabolism, being ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. SMM has important role in stress and disease tolerance of plants by taking part in plant sulphur metabolism. Previous investigations have shown that SMM has beneficial effects on the physiological status of plants and provides protection against various stress factors. The present review aims to sum up the main results concerning the beneficial effects of SMM treatment against Maize dwarf mosaic virus infection and cold stress in maize, and to reveal the possible applications of SMM in agricultural practice. © 2014, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.