Phosphorus Deficiency Induced Physiological and Antioxidant Response in Mungbean

Abstract

Background: Phosphorus (P) is the essential nutrient required for the growth and development of plants. P deficiency mainly leads to dark green foliage, alteration of root architectural traits and higher root to shoot ratio in plants. Further P deficiency results in enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby it leads to oxidative damage to plant cells. Plants have developed the mechanisms like production of antioxidants to overcome this effect. Methods: In the present study, 18 genotypes were evaluated under a hydroponic system with normal and low P levels. After 21 days, the seedlings were used for investigating the physiological and antioxidant activity response of genotypes under normal and low P condition. Result: The mean values of traits chlorophyll concentration, root dry weight, root to shoot ratio, H2O2, FRAP and DPPH were significantly higher under low P condition compared to normal P condition. The correlation and principal component analysis revealed that the traits RDW and TDW are major contributors to variation and could be used for P deficiency screening in mungbean. Based on major contributing traits of variation, the genotypes PUSA 1333 was identified as an efficient genotype and could be used in P use efficiency improvement in mungbean.