Foliar application of Glycine betaine to ameliorate lead toxicity in barley plants by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity and biochemical parameters

Abstract Lead (Pb) toxicity is a major problem in agricultural soil that negatively affects plant growth and development. Glycine betaine (GB) an effective compatible solute resists abiotic stress plays important role to mitigate various stresses. The present study the first of its kind on application GB Pb barley cultivars. To elucidate mitigating three concentrations (15 mM, 25 35 mM) two varieties (BH-959 BH-946) with without foliar (2 was examined. found increasing concentration significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced level primary metabolites viz. photosynthetic pigments, protein, carbohydrates both cultivars upto 42.4%, 38.4% 39% respectively. However malondialdehyde content, proline antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POX) were increased as compared control treatment 83.4%, 83.2% 51% In contrast, led improved physio-biochemical parameters well (53%) oxidative along content (14.42%) varieties. An increment these revealed exogenous improves (up plants use may be beneficial for crops susceptible improve yield.