Study on physio-biochemical attributes and metallothionein gene expression affected by chromium (VI) in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid)

• Published in: Journal of environmental biology Vol. 37; no. 3; p. 375
• Main Authors: Jain, Radha, Singh, S P, Singh, Anshu, Singh, Smita, Tripathi, Pramila, Chandra, A, Solomon, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lucknow Triveni Enterprises 01.05.2016
• Subjects: Environmental science; Saccharum
• ISSN: 0254-8704; 2394-0379

Single bud setts of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybdrid) cultivar CoLk 94184 was grown in soil tray culture conditions at varying levels of Cr (VI) viz., 0, 10 and 50 ppm in the form of potassium dichromate to study the effects of Cr exposure on growth, physio-biochemical attributes and metallothionein (MT) gene expression. The results obtained showed stunted growth, leaf chlorosis, reduced bud sprouting, plant height, root and shoot weight, plant vigor due to chromium in growing medium, 50 ppm Cr exhibited marked effect. Biochemical measurements indicated reduction in chlorophyll a, b and total and carotenoids contents, accumulation of proline and induction of lipid peroxidation, in terms of high malondialdehyde content, in leaf tissues of plants exposed to excess Cr. Specific activity of peroxidase enzyme in various plant organs decreased at 50 ppm Cr, and at 10 ppm it increased in leaf and root tissues. Metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression analysis showed increased MT gene expression with increase in Cr supply in both leaf and stalk tissues however, in leaf tissues, gene expression was comparatively low. Upregulation of MT gene due to high chromium in growing medium may help sugarcane crop in tolerance to Cr toxicity.