Relation of altered protein expression with chlorophyll fluorescence in tea under water stress

Concomitant variation was observed in chlorophyll fluorescence and protein in three nursery grown tea cultivars, ATK 1, TRF 1 and UPASI 17 subjected to different periods of water stress. The Chinery cultivar ATK 1, registered higher chlorophyll fluorescence index than TRF 1 and UPASI 17. A clear reduction in variable to maximal fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm) with an increase in the soil moisture deficit was observed indicating a loss in the primary photochemical efficiency of the stressed leaves. Resurrection response of stressed plants to watering was observed with a drift in chlorophyll fluorescence index and differential synthesis of specific proteins. The 16 kD polypeptide synthesized by the drought tolerant clones ATK 1 and TRF 1, was absent in the drought susceptible clone UPASI 17. Therefore, it could serve as a marker for drought tolerance during the course of clonal selection.