PJB-2018-145
SEED ANTIOXIDANTS INTERPLAY WITH DROUGHT STRESS TOLERANCE INDICES IN CHILLI (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L) SEEDLINGS
LAKSHMI SAHITYA U
Abstract
Altering climatic conditions and water stress drastically affects the chilli crop yield. In this scenario we adapted a strategic approach for screening of elite chilli genotypes, by exploring role of seed antioxidants in stress tolerance during vegetative phase. A total of 20 chilli genotype’s antioxidant potential and its effects on water stress tolerance was studied at three water regimes viz., control (100% Field Capacity), moderate (80% Field Capacity) and severe (60% Field Capacity) stress conditions. Drought tolerance traits viz., Relative Water Content, Chlrophyll content and Chlorophyll Stability Index were measured. A strong correlation was observed between seed antioxidants and water stress tolerant traits seedlings. Genotypes KCa-5, KCa-6 and KCa-10 showed low quantity of H2O2 and Malondialdehyde in seeds, maintained high membrane integrity and chlorophyll content in seedlings. High content of proline in KCa-5, KCa-7 and KCa-10 seeds retained high relative water content at seedling stage under severe water stress. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of seed antioxidant variables and drought tolerance indices twenty genotypes segregated into three clusters viz., drought tolerant and susceptible and moderately tolerant. Also diversified genotypes viz., Kca-9 and Kca-7 can be used as parents in the chilli hybrid breeding programme to develop drought tolerant hybrids. Key words: Antioxidants, chlorophyll, drought, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde.
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