Drought-induced biochemical modifications and proline metabolism in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.

The research was performed to define the effect of water deficit on early growth, biomass allocation and biochemical constituents, proline metabolism and yield of five varieties of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.) plants. We found that there were significant differences in early growth, dry matter accumulation, biochemical constituents and proline metabolism among the five varieties. The root length, shoot length, total leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight were significantly reduced under drought-induced stress treatment. The proline content and γ-glutamyl kinase were significantly enhanced and proline oxidase activities were reduced. Drought stress caused an increase in the free amino acid and glycinebetaine content.