Tapping the untapped genetic potential of moth bean (Vigna centifolia) – a high temperature stress tolerance legume.
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Date
2023-12-12
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Saudi Digital Library
Abstract
Abiotic stresses, such as drought and extreme temperatures, pose significant
challenges to crop production. Understanding the impact of abiotic stress factors on
crop plants is crucial for implementing effective strategies in unfavourable agricultural
environments. Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia), considered one of the earliest
cultivated crops within the Vigna genus, stands out as a robust legume known for its
exceptional resilience to drought and high-temperature conditions, making it a staple
in arid regions. In this research, our focus revolves around unravelling the intricate
dynamics of root and shoot growth, delving into the intricate root architecture system
(RAS), all in pursuit of uncovering the mechanisms underpinning the plant's
adaptability and the key traits associated with its remarkable abiotic stress tolerance
in wild moth bean (TN67) and cultivated moth bean (ICPMO056). Methodology:
Heat stress conditions were induced by subjecting seedlings to a 7-day exposure at
40°C prior to harvesting. Drought stress was simulated through limited irrigation, with
both short-term (7 days) and long-term (27 days) durations. To comprehensively
assess the combined impact of concurrent drought and heat stress, a 7-day
experiment was conducted involving three distinct treatments: Optimal conditions,
Heat, and a combination of Heat and Drought. Various parameters were measured,
including primary root length (PRL), root and shoot mass, leaf number and size, and
hypocotyl length. Results and Discussion: Based on our findings, TN67 (wild
variety) demonstrates greater abiotic stress tolerance compared to ICPMO
56 (Commercial variety), as indicated by its less pronounced responses to the
experimental conditions. Plant phytohormones, such as abscisic acid and auxin, are
known to play a significant role in stress tolerance. To investigate their impact,
hormone treatment experiments were conducted. The results revealed a consistent
inhibition of primary root length but a concurrent promotion of lateral root growth,
which is considered a stress tolerance mechanism. Conclusion: A deeper
understanding of the underlying factors driving this inter-genotypic variation in stress
sensitivity requires further investigation. Exploring the molecular basis of these
differences presents an important direction for future research, which could lead to
the development of more resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding the
challenges posed by climate change-induced abiotic stresses.
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Keywords
Moth bean (vigna aconitifolia), Root Architecture System RAS, abiotic stress, heat, drought tolerance, Primary Root Length (PRL)