PJB-2018-661
TIME COURSE CHANGES IN GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF AJWAIN (Trachyspermum ammi L.) UNDER DROUGHT STRESS
Saima Rashid
Abstract
Drought stress is a great deterrent to the plant growth and productivity. In this study the effect of drought stress was observed on the growth and metabolic attributes of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) at various time intervals. Exposures to drought stress severely affected different morphological parameters such as shoot and root length, shoot and root dry weight. Among the other metabolites, soluble sugars, proline and total free amino acids indicated an increase at all harvests. Anthocyanin was accumulated under drought stress, but soluble phenolics were declined. These compounds act as compatible solutes and thus, their accumulation within plant body appeared to protect the plant possibly against the damaging effects of water stress. Drought stress triggers different systems which minimize the damages caused by oxidation. Level of antioxidant ascorbic acid was found to increase under shortage of water. In conclusion Ajwain showed sensitivity to drought stress at various stages, possibly due to reduced accumulation of osmoprotectants and important secondary metabolites such as soluble phenolics.
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