Tolerance of chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) to induced drought and salinity stresses

Ting, A. S. Y and Ng, S. W. and Ling, A. P. K. (2009) Tolerance of chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) to induced drought and salinity stresses. Journal of Tropical Plant Physiology, 3. pp. 7-15.

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Abstract

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis ) is a common vegetable consumed in the Asian region. The cultivation of this popular vegetable is however limited by unfavourable conditions such as drought and salinity stress. In this study, we analyzed the physiological response of cabbage seedlings to various concentrations of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and sodium chloride (NaCI) used to induce drought and salinity stresses, respectively. The in vitro screening showed that after a 14-day period of stress challenge, drought and salinity had no effect on the plant survival rate, but plant height, root growth, fresh weight and numbers of leaves were reduced. Their tolerance to stress was attributed to the accumulation of proline and total soluble proteins. Proline accumulation increased significantly in seedlings challenged with drought and salinity stress. The seedlings also reduced its total chlorophyll content under drought and salt environment. In NaCl-amended medium, increased total soluble protein content was also observed as a tolerance response towards stress. To conclude, the results from the study suggested that Brassica rapa seedlings had developed its own tolerance mechanisms in order to overcome or avoid damages brought by the drought and salinity stresses. As such, the cultivation of Chinese cabbage could be manipulated in marginal lands to levels which will not affect their growth.

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