Vol. 10, Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
P Vanisree, A Sankari, L Pugalendhi and M Djanaguiraman

Abstract:
The frequency of drought periods influences the yield potential of crops where the change in climatic condition force researchers to find drought tolerant genotypes. The aim of the study was to screen thirteen tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes under mild and severe drought conditions in order to identify those genotypes with best performance. As a result of the analysis, it shows that genotypes showed decrease in pigment concentration, relative water content and soluble protein under both drought conditions compared with the control. In contrast, the proline concentration and MDA were found to increase. The antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT and POD) activity was in increasing pattern in all genotypes and among them SOD exhibits good correlation with drought stress compared to other enzymes. Conclusively genotypes SL CBE 106, SL CBE 126 and SL CBE 115 could be considered as drought tolerant and could be used as an excellent donor in genetic improvement program.