Antioxidant properties variation in radiation induced genotypes of jatropha

Abstract

Jatropha curcas L. produces seed oil believed to have immense potential as an economical alternative for diesel fuel. This study was undertaken to evaluate effect of gamma rays with rate of 10, 20 and 30 kR on biochemical characteristics of leaves among seven genotypes. Result showed that Chhatrapati genotype performed better for various biochemical properties such as total soluble sugar, protein, free amino acid, total phenol content and moisture content than other genotypes. However, guaiacol peroxidase activity was found to be higher in Hansot genotype. Maximum superoxide dismutase activity was recorded in SKN Big genotype. The increase in gamma rays irradiation progressively increases total soluble sugar, protein, free amino acid, total phenol content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX). The interaction effect of genotypes and gamma rays treatment were found to be significant for GPOX activity. The significantly highest GPOX activity was recorded under Chhatrapati genotype at 30 kR irradiation. However, the interaction effect of genotype and gamma rays treatment of other biochemical traits like total soluble sugar, protein, free amino acid, total phenol content and moisture content were nonsignificant during field growth stage.