Role of endosulfan in mediating stress responses in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

Abstract

Present study revealed the importance of endosulfan in mediating stress responses in Sorghum bicolor L. Moench (variety JP-1-1). The seeds treated with different concentrations (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) of endosulfan showed a significant decrease in percent germination over control. As the concentration increased, the shoot length, root length and biomass decreased. The amount of chlorophyll-a and protein decreased gradually with the increase in endosulfan concentration, whereas phenol and proline contents increased from 1.08 to 1.57 mg g(-1) and 0.18 to 0.98 mg g(-1), respectively. Chlorophyll-b decreased in 0.2% (0.97 mg g(-1)) as compared to control and revealed a gradual increase in 0.4% (1.11 mg g(-1)) and 0.6% (1.13 mg g(-1)). Endosulfan treatment suppressed the catalase and protease activity, but significantly increased the level of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, SOD and amylase enzymes. Lowerdose (0.2%) of endosulfan stimulated the activity of amylases.