Morphological and biochemical changes in shoot and root organs of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) after exposure to drought stress

Morphological and biochemical responses of shoot and root organs of post-drought stress vetch plant were investigated. Vetch seedlings were exposed to drought stress (100 g/l PEG(6000)) under in vitro conditions. Parameters were measured on 14-day-old seedlings. Under drought stress, shoot and root length, fresh weight, and water content were decreased. The dry matter ratio (DMR) increased in both the root and the shoot, and an increase in root dry weight was detected. Moreover, drought induced changes in activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) in both organs. Enzymes analysis revealed a reverse association between CAT and SOD with APX and GR activities. The inverse relationship between these antioxidant enzyme activities may depend on the plant's growth period. An increase in proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents was detected. Overall, the increase in morphological and biochemical parameters indicates that the root organ had a stronger response than the shoot organ under drought stress. The basic scientific knowledge obtained from this study could benefit future studies, such as breeding, in vetch plants.