Morphological and biochemical adaptations of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) to salinity stress: A principal component analysis

N Monisha; M Baskar; S  Meena; S Rathika; V Dhanushkodi; M Nagarajan; R L Meena

doi:10.14719/pst.5881

Authors

N Monisha Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli 620 027, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5294-3100
M Baskar Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli 620 027, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9678-8212
S Meena Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4856-8562
S Rathika Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli 620 027, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7586-7069
V Dhanushkodi ICAR-KVK, Needamangalam, Thiruvarur 614 404, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0853-8345
M Nagarajan Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Kumulur 621 712, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1070-9139
R L Meena ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal 132 001, Haryana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2439-6527

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5881

Keywords:

Principal component analysis, salt tolerance, osmotic adjustment, morphological, biochemical adaptation

Abstract

Salt stress is a major factor in decreasing the yield under challenging conditions. To overcome these issues, the current study investigates the impact of salinity stress on the growth and biochemical adaptation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana, variety TRY 1). Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted during 2023–2024, to assess the effects of salinity stress (EC levels ranging from <1 to 12 dS/m) on finger millet. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with three replications. Plant growth and yield improved under mild salinity (EC 2 dS/m). The highest grain yield of 12.3 g/plant and increased proline and chlorophyll content were observed at this salinity level. However, plant growth and yield significantly declined with increasing salinity (EC > 2 dS/m). Proline levels increased by 67% under EC 12 dS/m, highlighting its role in osmotic adjustment, while total sugars decreased by 16.2% at higher salinity. Chlorophyll content also increased slightly under moderate salinity but declined sharply at higher levels, indicating impaired photosynthesis. Overall, moderate salinity stress (EC 2 dS/m) promoted finger millet growth and physio-biochemical adaptations, whereas higher salinity levels led to marked reductions in productivity, growth, and biochemical responses. The TRY 1 variety displayed notable salt tolerance, surviving up to EC 12 dS/m, with optimal growth at EC 2 dS/m.

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Author Biography

S Rathika, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli 620 027, Tamil Nadu, India

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