Evaluation of Multiple Salinity Tolerance Indices for Screening and Comparative Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Genotypes

Salinity is a major constraint for plant growth, development and yield worldwide. Evaluation of large number germplasms in salt-stressed environments may help identify superior salt-tolerant genotypes. The present study dissects the genetic diversity 33 pearl millet genotypes (landraces inbred lines) salinity tolerance through vitro screening at seedling stage. Our results revealed significant reduction total biomass shoot growth salt-sensitive upon exposure to 150 mM NaCl, contrast tolerant showing better characteristics. A differential effect salt treatment on morphological traits was observed by analysis variance (ANOVA), confirming substantial among all tolerance. were clustered into three groups based multiple stress indices. also evaluated using principal component (PCA) key contributing Based these results, four contrasting selected further biochemical molecular analysis. Physiological studies confirmed that might be due higher content osmolytes activity antioxidant enzymes. Similarly, gene expression profiling catalase (CAT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutathione reductase (GR), nitrate (NR) profound increase NR GDH transcript levels genotypes, suggesting their role as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers under salinity. overall findings this could utilized candidate mining “omics” approaches, aiming toward resilient crop plants.