Exogenous calcium alters pigment composition, -glutamyl kinase and proline oxidase activities in salt-stressed Withania somnifera

In the present study effect of sodium chloride and calcium chloride on the proline metabolism of Withania somnifera plants was studied. The plants were treated with 100 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, 100 mM NaCl with 5 mM CaCl2 solutions. Ground water was used for irrigation to control plants. Plants were harvested randomly on 30 and 50 days after sowing (DAS). NaCl and CaCl2 stressed plants showed decreased chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content and also proline oxidase activity and increased -glutamyl kinase activity when compared to control. The NaCl with CaCl2 treated plants increased chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’, total chlorophyll content and proline oxidase activity and decreased the -glutamyl kinase activity in all parts of Withania somnifera when compared to NaCl treated plants.