Physio- biochemical characterization of Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] genotypes under salinity
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Date
2023-08
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
Increasing population, with its associated rise in food demand, and the scarcity of resources such as fertile land and sufficient water for irrigation, pose significant limitations. The growth and productivity of crops worldwide are being impacted by a variety of abiotic stresses. Among all crops, pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] holds importance as a cereal crop cultivated in numerous arid and semi-arid regions. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess salinity tolerance in ten genotypes of pearl millet: HHB 234, HHB 223, HHB 272, HHB 67, HHB 197, HHB 299, HC 10, HC 20, and HHB 335. All ten genotypes were grown hydroponically as 14-day-old seedlings under varying salinity concentrations (6, 8, 10, and 12 EC), along with a control group, to analyze their growth and physiological responses. Additionally, the growth, physiological, biochemical, and metabolic responses of these genotypes were evaluated using selected EC values of 10 and 12 in a pot-level study involving 14-day-old plants. Subsequently, four genotypes were selected at the 7-day-old pot level for further analysis: comparatively two tolerant genotypes (HHB 335 and HHB 197) and two sensitive genotypes (HHB 299 and HHB 67). The results demonstrated a reduction in seed germination percentage, plant height, total chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC), alongside an increase in electrolyte leakage, biochemical parameters (proline, total sugar content, glycine betaine), antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX, and PAL), and metabolites (MDA, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, and glutathione content), among others. The findings revealed that genotypes HHB 335 and HHB 197 exhibited comparatively salinity tolerance compared to the other genotypes tested. This study sheds light on the response of various pearl millet genotypes to different salinity levels and identifies tolerant genotypes suitable for cultivation in salinity-affected regions. Moreover, it provides valuable insights for plant breeders and physiologists, enabling them to devise specific strategies to mitigate the negative impact of salinity and maximize pearl millet output by gaining a better understanding of the salinity tolerance mechanism in this crop.