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PROLINE AND WATER STATUS OF SOME DESERT SHRUBS BEFORE AND AFTER RAIN

IRFAN AZIZ AND M. AJMAL KHAN*

Abstract: Four desert shrubs (Abutilon indicum, Aerva javanica, Calotropis procera and Senna holosericea) commonly found in Karachi and its vicinity were studied for the plant water status and proline content during rainy and dry periods. Succulence in all plants increased after rainfall and this increase was substantial in Calotropis procera. Senna holosericea maintained more negative water potential while it was less negative in Calotropis procera. Proline content substantially decreased in all species after rainfall and in the case of Senna holosericea it decreased from about 330 to less than 140 m mol. L^-1 plant water. Our data clearly indicate that increase in proline is related to increase in drought stress.

Department of Botany, G.D.S & C. College, Orangi Town, Karachi, Pakistan.
Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan, P.O. Box No. 8452, University of Karachi.