In-vitro response of Vigna aconitifolia to drought stress induced by PEG - 6000

This investigation was aimed at investigating effect of low water potential generated by PEG on growth, sugar content and stress related enzymes (catalase, GPOX) at seedling level. Additionally gene expression was also studied using SDS-PAGE. A total of twelve moth bean genotypes comprising of elite moth bean lines were evaluated for desiccation tolerance at germination and seedling stage. Germination was happened differentially at 8% PEG while 15% PEG induced wilting in 7d old seedlings. Longer roots and shoots, higher dry weight of root and shoots both in control and treated seedlings was observed with desiccation tolerance. Drought tolerant and sensitive varieties differed in their protein profiling with newer genes showing their expression in tolerant once. Two genes were found up regulated in all tolerant varieties during PEG induced stress. Higher basal activity of enzymes (GPOX and catalase) and total soluble sugar during water deficit in drought tolerant varieties was reported.