Aluminum Induced Biochemical Alterations in Amaranthus tricolor

Abstract

Background and Objective : The current study reveals the effect of Aluminum (Al) on Amaranthus tricolor L andsubsequent biochemical changes on the plant. In this study, the effect of Al stress on growth and other related antioxidants andenzymes were investigated. Methodology : This was achieved by investigating plant growth parameters (root/shoot length, dryweight) in presence and absence of various concentrations of Al. The antioxidant activity was determined by estimating proline,ascorbate. The effects of scavenging enzymes were determined by Catalase, Glutathion and SOD activity. The accumulation ofAl in root and shoot was determined by FAAS (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). Results: Al induced growthretardation observed more in roots (52.2%) compared to shoots (35.3%). Total concentration of proline increased (18 folds)compared to the control. The antioxidants and enzymes exhibited initial increase and subsequent decrease in response to Alstress. Accumulation of Al (by FAAS) was predominantly in root (70.44ppm ± 0.420).Conclusion: Result thus suggested Alinduced growth inhibition in Amaranthus tricolor and the primary affected region is the root. Al accumulation in the roots couldplay an important role in the acclimation of the genotype to Al stress, and could be used as physiological markers for Al-tolerance. Metal induced scavenging mechanism observed both at enzymatic and antioxidant molecular level.