Physiological and Biochemical changes associated with abiotic stress tolerance in Littleseed Canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.)

Moisture and salinity stress significantly decreased seedling vigour, pigment contents (chlorophyll & carotenoid) and total soluble proteins along with a progressive increase in membrane leakage and total soluble sugars. Seedling vigour, pigment and protein content of P. minor seedlings were significantly decreased when pH was either < 6 or > 7. However, there was significant increase in membrane leakage and TSS content of seedlings when pH was either < 6 or > 7. This indicated that abiotic stresses hamper the growth of seedlings, thus exposing weak seedlings to longer periods in less favourable conditions. Nevertheless, weeds evolve their means for survival under unfavourable conditions by biochemical means like increasing total soluble sugar content of shoots which may help them to tolerate abiotic stresses to some extent.