Progressive changes in biochemical characters of sugarcane genotypes under salinity stress

Progressive stress responses were studied in contrasting sugarcane genotypes to elucidate the stress adaptative physiological and biochemical characters. Varieties showed differences with respect to parameters studied from the day four onwards. The tolerant variety Co 85019 maintained stability of plastid pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), higher proline concentrations and increased activity of oxidative enzymes. Sensitive genotype showed large reductions with regard to these characters. Lipid peroxidation, a measure of damage to the membrane system was higher in sensitive variety and difference between genotypes became significant from day four, indicating the progressive nature of adaptation in tolerant and its failure in sensitive varieties.