Response and recovery of Coriandrum sativum L. variety indoori exposed to soil moisture stress

Influence of soil moisture stress was investigated in Coriandrum sativum L. var. Indoori subjected to soil moisture stress (SMS) for four and eight days. The study revealed a decline in relative water content (RWC) with an increase in leaf water potential (LWP) upto 2.1 MPa. A decrease in total chlorophylls upto 34% and a minor reduction in chlorophyll stability index (CSI) was visible. Significant accumulation of free proline, free amino acids, ascorbic acid and total flavanoids was evident in plants facing eight days SMS. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity enhanced, but proline oxidase activity declined due to water deficit. Upon rewatering, RWC increased and amount of proline and ascorbic acid decreased. Lipid peroxidation decreased and enzyme activities recovered upon rewatering. The variety is susceptible to SMS but can be recovered from stress within five days after rewatering. Accumulation of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and flavanoids may help the plant to face oxidative stress.