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VOL. 10, ISSUE 11 (2025)
Physiological insights into salinity-induced oxidative stress and its impact on photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content in Taxus wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan Yew)
Authors
Sankar Som, Dip Kr Bhattacharjya
Abstract
Soil salinization is a major abiotic stress
that limits plant growth, photosynthetic performance, and survival,
particularly in ecologically and pharmacologically important species such as Taxus
wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan yew). This study evaluated the physiological
and biochemical responses of T. wallichiana seedlings exposed to 150 mM NaCl
under controlled conditions. Salinity stress induced pronounced morphological
symptoms, including leaf chlorosis, wilting, and stunted growth. Chlorophyll
fluorescence measurements revealed significant reductions in maximum
photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield (ΦPSII), and electron
transport rate (ETR), indicating impaired photosystem II activity. Concurrently,
chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents declined,
reflecting accelerated pigment degradation and constrained photosynthetic
capacity. Biochemical assays demonstrated elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating enhanced reactive oxygen species
(ROS) accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Histochemical analyses using NBT and
DAB staining corroborated these findings, showing intensified superoxide and H2O2
accumulation in salt-stressed tissues. Collectively, these results indicate
that 150 mM NaCl disrupts photosynthetic efficiency and redox homeostasis in T.
wallichiana, leading to oxidative damage and growth inhibition. This study
provides a baseline for further investigation into antioxidant defense mechanisms,
osmoprotective strategies, and ion homeostasis in this valuable gymnosperm
species.
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Pages:15-19
How to cite this article:
Sankar Som, Dip Kr Bhattacharjya "Physiological insights into salinity-induced oxidative stress and its impact on photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content in <i>Taxus wallichiana</i> Zucc. (Himalayan Yew)". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 10, Issue 11, 2025, Pages 15-19
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