Physiological and biochemical changes associated with moisture stress tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes
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Date
2019
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted to study “Physiological and biochemical changes associated with moisture stress tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes”. Twenty genotypes (CML 32, CM 139, CM 140, CM 143, SE 503, SE 544, SE 547, SE 552, I 122, I 132, I 162, I 164, LM 5, LM 11, LM 13, LM 15, LM 16, LM 20, LM 23, LM 24) were screened on the basis of percent survival rate of seedlings under different levels of moisture stress created by withholding 40%, 50% and 60% irrigation. Percent survival of seedlings was noted at 10, 15, 20 and 25 days after sowing at 40%, 50% and 60% moisture stress level and four genotypes: CM 140, LM 16 as tolerant and LM 13, LM 20 as sensitive genotypes were selected out of twenty genotypes. Effects of moisture stress on morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters in tolerant and sensitive maize genotypes along with a check PMH 2 were studied at seedling stage. Morpho-physiological parameters viz. root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root density, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, root volume, root:shoot ratio, membrane stability, relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, vigour index I and vigour index II decreased with the moisture stress. However, carotenoid content was found to increase with increasing stress level. The various biochemical parameters viz. proline content, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase were recorded higher in check PMH 2 and in tolerant genotypes as compared to sensitive genotypes. Also, accumulation of hydrogen peroxide content was lower in CM 140 and LM 16 than LM 13 and LM 20. Under moisture stress, root anatomy showed variations in all the maize genotypes. Density of metaxylem elements increased in all the genotypes as well as in check PMH 2 and more number of root hairs were also in LM 16 and PMH 2. In tolerant genotype CM 140, the diameter of metaxylem also decreased with the drought stress which helped in retention of water in roots under stress conditions. Higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, proline, carotenoid content and decreased hydrogen peroxide might have helped in imparting moisture stress tolerance to CM 140 and LM 16 genotypes. These genotypes can be used by the breeders in further breeding programs.
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