Amelioration of Aluminium Toxicity in Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Plant by 24-Epibrassinolide

The effect of 24-epibrassinolide on growth of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under aluminium toxicity was studied. 24-EBL reduced the impact of Al stress on plant growth. Particularly 24-EBL reduced the inhibitory impact of aluminium toxicity on root growth which was further manifested in overall improvement of vegetative growth. Application of 24-epibrassinolide removed the inhibitory influence of Al nodulation. The growth stimulation in Cajanus plants by 24-EBL under Al stress was associated with elevated levels of chlorophylls, nucleic acids and soluble proteins. 24-Epibrassinolide application enhanced proline content in Al3+ stressed Cajanus plants. Further, the supplementation of 24-epibrassinolide to Al stress treatments increased the activities of antioxidative enzymes viz., catalase [EC 1.11.1.6]; peroxidase [EC 1.11.1.7]; superoxide dismutase [EC 1.15.1.1] and ascorbate peroxidase [EC 1.11.1.11]. Lipid peroxidation induced by Al was found reduced with the supplementation of 24-epibrassinolide. The present studies demonstrated the ameliorating capability of 24-epibrassinolide on the Al induced inhibition of plant growth of C. cajan.