Waterlogging tolerance in black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is associated with chlorophyll content and membrane integrity

Abstract

Black gram (<em>Vigna mungo </em>L.) is waterlogging sensitive legume crop. We studied the effect of waterlogging stress on membrane stability index (MSI), lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence in four <em>Vigna</em> genotypes namely (Uttara, T-44, IC530491, IC519330). Stress was imposed for 10 days at vegetative stage (30 days after sowing). Thereafter, excess water was drained to allow recovery in stressed plants. Waterlogging treatment significantly increased lipid peroxidation and SOD activity in all the genotypes, which showed the oxidative injury posed by stress conditions. Chlorophyll content and fluorescence reduced under stress conditions. SOD activity, MSI and chlorophyll content was more in IC530491 and IC519330, T44 as compared to Uttara. Lipid peroxidation was high in Uttara. Though chlorophyll fluorescence reduced in all the genotypes under waterlogging, genotypic differences were non-significant. More efficient antioxidative scavenging to maintain membrane stability and chlorophyll content in black gram was found to be associated with tolerance to waterlogging.