Effects of salt and drought stress conditions on callus growth, proline content and antioxidant enzyme avtivity of Punica granatum 'Nana'

Callus of Punica granatum 'Nana' were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BA and NAA to evaluate callus growth. The highest callus fresh weight (0.61g), dry weight (0.068g) and diameter (16.16mm) were observed in 1mg L-1 BA and 0.1mg L-1 NAA. In a separate experiment, growth and antioxidant activity (Super oxidismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Peroxidase (POD)) of callus were studied in plants grown under saline (0 -5g L-1 NaCl) and drought (0 to 8% PEG) conditions. Results showed that under both conditions, growth of callus decreased with increasing in stress treatments. Under saline condition, increasing in salinity increased antioxidant enzyme activity. The highest CAT, POD and SOD activities observed in 4, 5, 2g L-1 NaCl, respectively. While under drought conditions, the highest SOD and CAT activities observed in 6% PEG and highest POD activity occurred in 8% PEG. The survived tolerant calli obtained had potential to produce salt and drought tolerant cultivars. © 2013 Trade Science Inc. - INDIA.