Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Sugarcane Genotypes Response to Salinity and Drought

Sugarcane genotypes such as tolerant (Co 99004), and sensitive (Co 97010) were subjected to NaCl (170 and 250mM) and Poly ethylene glycol (-0.8Mpa and -1.7Mpa) treatment and evaluated through biochemical and molecular analysis to assess the commonness between salinity and drought stress. Among the biochemical characters analyzed total chlorophyll decreased and proline, lipid peroxidase, xanthophylls increased with severe stress (both salinity and drought). Peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity increased with isozymes showing over expression under stress condition. In Reverse Transcriptase-PCR the genes p5cs and ADC1 showed differential amplification with tolerant genotypes recording up-regulation. The results showed that the tolerant genotype (Co 99004) expressed better stability under the saline and water stress conditions where as the sensitive genotype (97010) failed to perform under the stress conditions.