Comparative Adaptability Assessment of Two Mangroves from Indian Sundarbans: Some Biochemical Appearances

Abstract

Comparative adaptability against salinity was assessed between the two well-known mangroves (Avicennia marina and Heritiera fomes) from Indian Sundarbans in vitro. Occurrence of H. fomes is intermittent in and around of this mangrove swamp. A harmony has to maintain between ROS production and efficient scavenging of ROS by the plant itself for sustainability. In the present work, extent of salt tolerance was evaluated by mainly two ways: i) accumulation of free amino acids in the cytoplasm for proficient osmotic adjustment and ii) promoting elevated amount of an-tioxidants (both enzymes and secondary metabolites) with respect to substrate salinity. Occurrence of free amino acids (Alanine, Leucine and Proline) in A. marinaare well correlated (p ≤ 0.01) with the increasing salinity and H. fomes (Alanine and Phenyl Alanine) correlation value showed p ≤ 0.05. ROS scavenging reflected through ABTS, DPPH and Fe 2+ chelating activity and results indicating that A. marina have some advantage over the other investigated taxa. Amount of phenols and flavonoids also designated the same. Additional number of isoforms of two antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and super oxide dismutase) occurred in A. marina as the salinity enhanced, but in case of H. fomes, which was lacking. The experimental results might be designated towards the comfortable adaptability to A. marina, rather to H. fomes.