Role of endosulfan in mediating stress responses in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

Present study revealed the importance of endosulfan in mediating stress responses in Sorghum bicolor L. Moench (variety JP-1-1). The seeds treated with different concentrations (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) of endosulfan showed a significant decrease in percent germination over control. As the concentration increased, the shoot length, root length and biomass decreased. The amount of chlorophyll-a and protein decreased gradually with the increase in endosulfan concentration, whereas phenol and proline contents increased from 1.08 to 1.57 mg g(-1) and 0.18 to 0.98 mg g(-1), respectively. Chlorophyll-b decreased in 0.2% (0.97 mg g(-1)) as compared to control and revealed a gradual increase in 0.4% (1.11 mg g(-1)) and 0.6% (1.13 mg g(-1)). Endosulfan treatment suppressed the catalase and protease activity, but significantly increased the level of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, SOD and amylase enzymes. Lowerdose (0.2%) of endosulfan stimulated the activity of amylases.