Leaf extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) alleviates adverse effects of drought in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants through alterations in biochemical attributes and antioxidants

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

卷:29

Muhammad Ashraf¹  Hira Naz²  Nudrat Aisha Akram²  Daniel Ingo Hefft³  Basit Latief Jan⁴ 

[1] Corresponding author.;

[2] Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan;

[3] Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan;

[4] University Centre Reaseheath, Food and Agricultural Sciences, Reaseheath College, Nantwich CW5 6DF, UK;

关键词: Quinoa;    Neem extract;    Drought tolerance;    Antioxidants;    Osmoprotectants;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The influence of varying concentrations (0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 % v/v) of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract on drought stressed (40 % field capacity) quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants was assessed. During the current study two cultivars of quinoa (V7 and V9) were used. This study revealed that water stress adversely affects the fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots as well as chlorophyll pigments (a and b) of both quinoa cultivars. In contrast, drought stress enhanced glycinebetaine (GB), free proline, phenolic content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes, and relative membrane permeability (RMP). However, application of neem leaf extract improved the accumulation of key osmoprotectants like proline, GB and activities of enzymatic antioxidants. Our findings showed 5 % neem leaf extract is an effective treatment in counteracting the oxidative damage caused by water stress, thereby improving overall plant growth. Of both cultivars of quinoa, the response of cv. V9 to stress as well as foliar applied neem was relatively more promising.

【 授权许可】

Unknown