Characterization of Physiological and Biochemical Response during Drought Stress in Finger Millet Collected from Hills of Uttarakhand
Ankita Chauhan *
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Science and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263145 (Udham Singh Nagar) Uttarakhand, India.
Pushpa Lohani
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Science and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263145 (Udham Singh Nagar) Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The goal of the current study was to examine the genetic variety of finger millet genotypes based on physiological and biochemical parameters related to drought.
Study Design: Using various biochemical and physiological parameters, 20 finger millet germplasm lines were tested in the investigation for resistance to drought.
Place and Duration of Study: The current study was carried out from May to August 2019 at the G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology's College of Basic Science and Humanity.
Methodology: The purpose of the study was to document several biochemical and physiological characteristics associated with drought resistance and susceptibility. Additionally, based on these criteria, selecting drought-tolerant and susceptible plants
Results: Different genotypes of finger millet exhibit varying degrees of tolerance to drought stress, which is mostly attributed to differences in the concentration and modifications of pigments as well as the accumulation of proline. Among the others, the genotypes PCPGR8120, PCPGR8128, PCPGR8124, and PCPGR8130 are the most drought-tolerant while the genotypes PCPGR 8068 and PCPGR 8138 were regarded as drought sensitive..
Conclusion: Four genotypes of finger millet were discovered to be distantly segregated from the other genotypes based on physiological and biochemical data. These genotypes had demonstrated their ability to withstand drought, however the remaining genotypes had been discovered to be susceptible to it.
Keywords: Finger millet, drought tolerance, biochemical and physiological parameters, genetic diversity