Biochemical analysis of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under heat stress condition during flowering stage

Abstract

Heat is considered as one of the environmental stress, which decreases crop productivity greatly compared with other environmental stress in India. Mechanisms of pearl millet plants in response to heat stress remain largely unknown. The experiment was conducted mainly in two parts. Short-term heat-induced biochemical responses were monitored in two pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) genotypes contrasting in their tolerance to heat stress. The seeds of two genotypes selected from first experiment, namely J-2454 (heat tolerant) and J-2433 (heat sensitive), were sown in pots containing soil and sand. The pots are irrigated every alternate day up to 50 (flowering) days after germination when each. RWC was found significantly highest 77.61% in heat tolerant genotype J 2454. The heat susceptible genotype J 2433 recorded the lowest (60.88 %) RWC. All the control plants of heat tolerant J 2454 and susceptible J 2433 genotypes showed lower protein content and free proline compared to treated plants.