Optimization of stress tolerance index for screening of multiple abiotic stress tolerant genotype and determination of reliable trait in Cicer arieitnum L.

Abstract

One of the major problems affecting agricultural productivity is high soil salt content that causes increased reactive oxygen species production affecting membrane stability and cell metabolism. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous persistent hydrocarbons comprising two or more fused benzene rings that severely affect plant growth. The study was carried out to screen genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) based on responses to the presence of different concentrations of NaCl, Phenanthrene, and a combination of both NaCl and Phenanthrene, which is the first report of chickpea growth under combination of NaCl and Phenanthrene. Four Chickpea genotypes were grown under three concentrations of NaCl and Phenanthrene respectively and combinations of both NaCl and Phenanthrene. A 21 day in-vitro experiment comprised of growing chickpea in petriplates and growth pouches. Morphological parameters were recorded to differentiate susceptible and tolerant genotypes based on the Stress Tolerance Index. MFV was calculated to further evaluate genotypes under different stress conditions. Results revealed that GPF2 and PBG7 have highest and least STI values respectively hence, GPF2 and PBG7 was tolerant and sensitive genotypes respectively towards the individual and combined effect of NaCl and Phenenathrene. Linear regression analysis revealed that root length can be the reliable trait to study the effect of salt stress on chickpea genotypes while GI can be used as reliable trait to study the effect of Phenanthrene stress and combined stress on chickpea genotypes.