Determination of the physiological and molecular effects of trehalose application on the local gevaş bean exposed to drought stress

In this thesis study, the aim was to reveal the morphological, physiological, and biochemical effects of trehalose application on different bean varieties (Gevaş and Gina) subjected to drought stress. In the drought stress application, 100 % irrigation was used as a control, while 50 % and 30 % irrigation were designed as limited irrigation. Based on literature research, 10 mM trehalose was applied by spraying (exogenous) at the 3 true leaf stage. Trehalose application was performed three times, at one-week intervals. Based on literature reviews, 10 mM trehalose was applied exogenously by spraying during the true leaf stage. Trehalose application was performed a total of three times, with one-week intervals between applications, and samples were collected 48 hours after each application. The analysis revealed that trehalose application caused significant changes in bean varieties under drought stress. The effects were determined by comparing drought and trehalose application. Chlorophyll and phenolic compound contents were found to increase significantly, especially in the 50 % irrigation trehalose application. It was determined that the flavonoid content increased in the Gevaş variety but decreased in the Gina variety. Interestingly, it was observed that proline values decreased in both restricted irrigation groups with trehalose application. When the changes in gene expression (WRKY75, ERF35, TPS9, IRT-1) were examined, it was determined that in both varieties, the groups treated with trehalose were up-regulated at 50 % trehalose application. The applications demonstrated that trehalose has a stress-tolerance-enhancing effect against drought stress in both bean varieties, particularly in the Gevaş bean variety, where it induces balanced and effective responses. In this context, trehalose interacts with the natural stress response mechanisms in the Gevaş genotype. In this context, it is thought that trehalose interacts with the natural stress response mechanisms in the Gevaş bean variety to increase stress tolerance and that the local variety has the potential to be used against drought stress.