PJB-2021-653
GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF BRASSICA NAPUS L. UNDER INDUCED DROUGHT AND SALINITY STRESS
NAZISH RAEES
Abstract
Abstract Pakistan is facing a high risk of climate change where several environmental systems are exposed to be harmed especially the agricultural system. It is estimated that climate change in the near future will significantly reduce the productivity of agricultural crops. Among the important climate change driver, osmotic stress (drought and salinity) had significant adverse effect on growth and production of crops. This study determines the effects of induced drought and salinity on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and the enhancement effects of osmopriming with salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and tocopherol on the germination and seedling growth of two varieties (shirlee and vanguard) of rapeseed. Seeds primed with ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and tocopherol, not only improved final seeds germination but also reduced the time taken for seed germination under induced drought and salinity stress. In addition, significant increase in shoot length (7.1±1.13), fresh weight (1104.76±486.11), root fresh weight (42.57±45.17) and dry weight (71.53±20.91) was recorded in primed seeds than in unprimed seeds. Results showed that absolute growth rate (1.70±0.05) and (1.59±0.11) of shiralee and vanguard cultivars, respectively were influenced by drought as compared to salinity stress. Relative growth rate (41.53±10.48), net assimilation rate (41.53±10.48), germination index (156.0±16.4), Timson germination index (38.88±2.36) were affected by 100mM NaCl Concentration in shirlee cultivars. Mean time of seed germination (13.35±0.31) and water use efficiency (3.00±1.02) were greatly reduced by drought osmo-primed with ascorbic acid in both varieties compared to the non-primed seeds. Response of both the cultivars of rapeseeds was found to be different in induced drought and salinity treatments. From the results we concluded that seed priming with growth hormones can be a useful technique in enhancing growth of rapeseed under these stresses. This technique will have implications for improving rapeseed crop production. Keywords: Osmo-priming, Brassica napus L, Salinity, Drought.
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