Physiological and Biochemical Responses Reveal the Drought Tolerance Efficacy of the Halophyte Salicornia brachiata
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Date
2014-02-06
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Abstract
The drought tolerance of Salicornia brachiata
seedlings was assessed by monitoring growth, nutrient
uptake, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and biochemical
responses under drought conditions simulated
with 0, 10, 20, and 30 % polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000).
After 7 days of drought induction, plants were harvested
for measurement of various parameters. The biomass
decreased and the plant height remained unchanged with
PEG treatment. The total plant water content (TWC%)
decreased by 11 % at the highest concentration of PEG
(30 %). The electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation of
shoots increased by 17 and 5 %, respectively, in 30 %
PEG-treated plants. K? and Ca2? contents of shoots
increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, in roots
K? content decreased and Ca2? content remained unaffected
by PEG treatment. Mg2? content increased at high
concentrations of PEG (20–30 %) in shoots and decreased
at the highest concentration of PEG (30 %) in roots. Total
free amino acids, proline, and polyphenol contents
increased progressively with increase in severity of the
drought stress. Total sugar content and reducing sugar
content increased in 10 and 20 % PEG-treated plants and
decreased in 30 % PEG-treated plants. Our results suggest
that proline and other free amino acids, sugars, and polyphenols
are the main compatible solutes in S. brachiata for
maintenance of osmotic balance, protection of cellular
macromolecules, detoxification of the cells, and scavenging
of free radicals under drought stress. A greater
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Keywords
Salicornia brachiata, Tolerance, Halophyte