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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026)

Drought-induced regulation of chalcone synthase activity in cress (Lepidium sativum L.) leaves

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8891
Submitted
15 April 2025
Published
31-01-2026 — Updated on 06-02-2026
Versions

Abstract

Drought is a major abiotic stressor that severely limits plant growth and development. In response, plants often enhance the biosynthesis of flavonoids, key secondary metabolites that contribute to growth regulation and stress adaptation. This study investigated the drought tolerance mechanisms of cress (Lepidium sativum) by examining the effects of varying drought durations on growth parameters, stress severity and associated metabolic responses. The results showed that drought stress significantly impaired plant growth, with shoot and root lengths reduced to 0.7- and 0.8-fold of control levels, respectively, after 4 days of water deficit. Prolonged drought (12 days) further decreased relative water content (RWC), reaching 0.8-fold in shoots and 0.6-fold in roots. Stress severity, assessed by relative electrolyte conductivity, exhibited a nine-fold increase after 12 days, indicating considerable membrane damage. Biochemical analyses revealed a time-dependent increase in total flavonoid content, which rose by 1.3-, 1.6- and 1.4-fold after 4, 8 and 12 days of drought exposure, respectively. Anthocyanin content increased modestly by 1.6-fold after 12 days of drought. Chalcone synthase (CHS) activity increased markedly, by 1.9- and 2.7-fold after 4 and 8 days, respectively, indicating its early induction as a critical drought response. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of CHS activation and flavonoid accumulation in enhancing drought resilience in cress. Further studies should focus on identifying individual flavonoid compounds and clarifying their role in maintaining membrane integrity under prolonged drought conditions.

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