Exogenous trehalose boosted drought tolerance in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) by enhancing glyoxalase system

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted at the Molecular Breeding Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur during 2016-2017, to investigate the potential of trehalose (Tre) as a protective agent against drought stress in wheat seedlings. Two genotypes, viz. CSISA DR 30 (drought-tolerant) and BAW 1163 (drought-sensitive), were subjected to varying levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress, with and without the addition of trehalose (Tre). Eight-day-old seedlings were subjected to drought stress for 2, 4, and 6 days. Results revealed that drought stress at various durations increased proline, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and methylglyoxal (MG) contents, but decreased relative water content (RWC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) compared to control in both genotypes at seedling stage. It was also observed that the activities of glyoxalase I (Gly I) and glyoxalase II (Gly II) enzymes were increased in CSISA DR 30 genotype, but decreased in BAW 1163 genotype under drought stress of different durations. However, the application of trehalose (10 mM) under drought stress led to a decrease in MG, MDA and proline levels. At the same time, this osmolyte increased RWC, activities of Gly I and Gly II enzymes, as well as GSH contents in both genotypes. Notable, the MDA and MG accumulation was found remarkably lower in CSISA DR 30 genotype than in BAW 1163 wheat genotype under control, drought (15% PEG) and drought with 10 mM trehalose condition. The results also suggested that the genotype CSISA DR 30 is drought tolerant and moreover, its capability is further enhanced by exogenous trehalose application.

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 49(3): 211-223, September 2024