The influence of PEG-induced water stress on seed germination, plant growth and photosynthetic metabolism in chia plants (original) (raw)

2018, South African Journal of Botany

monitorimg changes in plant growth, biomass, chlorophyll and proline content after 14 days post infection (dpi). Shoot and root lengths was significantly reduced in infected plants. A similar trend was observed for shoot and root dry weights. Photosynthetic metabolism was also significantly altered in infected plants, as seen by the reduction in total chlorophyll content. However, proline content was augmented under infection when compared to the control plants. Although proline accumulation is associated with tolerance under abiotic stress conditions, we hypothesize that it is connected with sensitivity. We therefore suggest that proline cannot always act to relieve physiological stress, but rather be used as a stress indicator under pathogen infection.