The role of enzyme amylase in two germinating seed morphs of Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf. in saline and non-saline environment

Abstract

The role of enzyme amylase in two germinating seed morphs, i.e. black and brown, of Halopyrum mucronatum in saline and non-saline environment was examined. Both seed morphs of this halophytic grass have variations in their moisture content, total lipid, protein, sugar, phenol and tannin contents. Black seed exhibited higher activity compared to brown in saline medium. Sugar mobilization in both seed morphs was also affected due to the difference in amylase activity. However, exogenous application of GA 3 in saline medium enhanced the amylase activity and sugar mobilization. Phenolic contents were similar except for vanillic acid which was found only in brown seeds while catechol was present only in black seeds. Phenols extracted from both seed morphs were applied to determine their effects on amylase activity. Phenolic extracts obtained from brown seeds showed higher degree of inhibition of amylase activity. Results are discussed in relation to seed coat phenols, leaching, amylase activity and sugar mobilization.

Physiological responses of two halophytic grass species under drought stress environment

“…and Cenchrus ciliaris L. are important and widely occurring halophytic grasses. Most of these halophytic grasses have been investigated and physiological explanations regarding their salt tolerance have been provided (Khan and Ungar 1999, Saini et al 2007, Siddiqui and Khan 2011. However, the effects of drought stress on these plants and their physiological mechanism have not been examined.…”

“…H. mucronatum is an excellent salt-tolerant grass species, and is used as fodder (Siddiqui and Khan 2011). Furthermore, it was also reported that these two grasses might have the ability to tolerate long dry seasons under varying soil conditions indicating some degree of drought tolerance (Ayerza 1981, De Leon 2004.…”

Effects of double stress on antioxidant enzyme activity in Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek

“…Plants have utilized various mechanisms to combat with abiotic stresses. Among them, stress tolerance gene expression, compatible solutes, phenols and antioxidant enzyme production are some examples (JAKAB et al 2005, AHMED et al 2010, SIDDIQUI and KHAN 2011. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase, guaiacol peroxidase and catalase are well-known defense systems providing protection against the hazards of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different stressful conditions (ALLEN et al 1997, KWON et al 2002, AHMED et al 2010.…”

Field assessment of CaMsrB2 transgenic lines in a drought stress environment

“…It has been examined that, in response to stress conditions, plants switch to the synthesis of compatible solutes that help to keep water within cells or protect cellular components from the injury caused by dehydration. Substantial water holding capacity of plants plays a key role in stress tolerance and has been reported to be high in many stress-tolerant plants (Munns, 2002;Yang et al, 2003;Siddiqui et al, 2008;Siddiqui and Khan, 2011;Siddiqui, 2013).…”