Electrolyte and phenolic leakage contents and their relation with photosynthetic pigments, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities at low temperature stress in sugarcane

Ten sugarcane (Saccharum spp, hybrids) varieties were evaluated for low temperature stress tolerance based on electrolyte and phenolic leakage and their correlation with photosynthetic pigments, activity of antioxidant enzymes and yield attributes determined during winter season when field temperature was in the range of 2°C-6°C in the night and 10–16°C in the day. Electrolyte leakage (EL) was more (30.8 to 51.8%) at −10°C while, 21.7 to 28.4% at 25°C. Phenolic leakage (PL) varied from 15.0 to 26.2% at −10°C compared to 8.6 to 16.6% at 25°C. Highest EL (51.8%) and PL (26.2%) was observed in variety, CoLk 8102 and CoLk 9617, respectively. Anthocyanin, MDA, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids contents and activity of catalase, peroxidase and SOD enzymes and yield attributes showed wide variation among different varieties. EL and PL showed negative correlation with chlorophyll, carotenoids, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and yield attributes. High correlation coefficient with EL indicated its usefulness in selection of varieties suitable for low temperature stress tolerance.