Biochemical characterization of oxidative stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes

Biochemical diversity, a critical component which refers to the constituent variability among the genotypes, was studied in fifteen desi and fifteen kabuli chickpea genotypes. The chickpea genotypes were evaluated for antioxidative enzymes along with proline and phytic acid contents. The mean activities of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APx) were higher in desi whereas the activity of glutathione reductase was higher in kabuli chickpea genotypes. Desi genotypes were found to have higher phytic acid and proline contents. Principal component analysis had depicted the relationship among the desi and kabuli genotypes on the basis of biochemical parameters. The results showed that the observed variability may serve as basis for further improving the genotypes by plant breeders.