Effect of Drought Stress on the Growth Parameters and Chemical Compounds of Capparis spinosa L”.

Journal Article

Bokhari., 21- Hediat M. H. Salama and Najat . 2014

• Magazine \ Newspaper: . Journal of biological and chemical research (An International Journal of life Sciences and Chemistry) . . .
• Issue Number: 1
• Volume Number: 31
• Pages: 595-508

Publication Abstract

Capparis spinosa L., an important shrub used in traditional as well as modern medicine.

In the present investigation, this plant exposed to water deficit stress and possible changes

in chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, growth parameters as well

as total flavonoids and total alkaloid were studied. Seedlings subjected to four different

water-regimes. Experimental samples irrigated once every week or every second and third

week and the control irrigated every day. Drought had adverse effect on height, weight and

relative water content of Capparis spinosa seedlings. The photosynthetic activity and

transpiration rate significantly decreased with increasing drought level. Total sugars

decreased to 75%, total protein decreased to 84% and total cholophyll decreased by 47%.

The study revealed that drought is the most important factor enhancing the production of

secondary metabolic products. Free proline content significantly increased to maximum

166% compared to the control. Total flavonoids and alkaloids contents of the seedlings

grown under treatments 3 increased to 187% and 171% compare to control respectively.