Effect of drought stress on some morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters in soybean (TGX-1835-10E) variety

Drought is a major environmental stress factor that severely reduces crop yields by more than 50%, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the effect of drought stress on some morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters in soybeans (TGX-1835-10E). Drought was induced using two different concentrations of PEG 6000 at 8% and 16% for 2 weeks and the plant seedling was collected for morphological, physiological, and biochemical analysis. Leaf and root homogenate was prepared using phosphate buffer and the supernatants were used for catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and total antioxidant activity, total chlorophyll, proline, hydrogen peroxide, carotenoid, and MDA content determination. Findings from the study show that drought stress had a significant effect on the growth and physiological indices of soybeans. The fresh root, seedling weight, root number, and root length significantly increase in 8% PEG compared with the 16% PEG. Conversely, the total chlorophyll content decreased with the increase in PEG concentration while MDA and proline content significantly increased as the PEG concentration increased. No significant increase in catalase activity at 8% PEG and a decrease was observed at 16% PEG. Whereas ascorbate peroxidase activity shows a significant increase in 8% PEG and a decrease in 16% PEG. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that soybeans (TGX-1835-10E) respond to drought stress by increasing seedling and root fresh weight, decreasing total chlorophyll content, increasing MDA, and alteration in carotenoid and catalase activity.