Effects of CaCl 2 and ABA on Changes in H 2O 2, metabolism in two Jute Species under Water Deficit Stress

Abstract

Summary Pretreatment of seeds with calcium chloride (5.0 mM) or foliar spraying of ABA (0.01 mM) improved relative water content and leaf water potential of seedlings (45 days old) of two jute species, Corchorus capsularis (cv. JRC 212) and C. olitorius (cv. JRO 632), subjected to water deficit stress for 2 and 4 days in a potted condition. An additive improvement was noticed when seed treatment was followed by foliar spraying of ABA. With the improvement of water status in the treated plants, there was an increase in superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity with a concomitant decrease in glycolate oxidase (EC 1.1.3.1) activity and hydrogen peroxide level under water deficit stress. A lesser formation of malondialdehyde in treated seedlings under water deficit stress suggested reduced lipid peroxidation and less membrane damage compared with untreated seedlings. The treatments possibly checked drought-induced injury through restoration of the water status of jute seedlings.