GENOTYPIC VARIATION ON THE ANTIOXIDATIVE RESPONSE OF COWPEACULTIVARS EXPOSED TO OSMOTIC STRESS

Abstract

The cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., also known as cowpea, is of fundamental socioeconomic importance to the northeast of Brazil, and has become one of the main sources of protein in the diet of the rural population. However, in this region, it has become necessary to identify genotypes that are better adapted to drought. In addition, research is needed regarding the action of substances that promote tolerance to stress factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative response of cowpea cultivars under osmotic stress conditions using potassium nitrate as an attenuator. Five osmotic potentials were tested in the substrate (0.0, −0.2, −0.4, −0.6, and −0.8 MPa), and three seed treatments (pre-soaking in distilled water, pre-soaking in potassium nitrate, and without pre-soaking) were tested in three cowpea cultivars (BRS Itaim, BRS Aracê, and BRS Potengi). The design was randomized with 45 treatments and four replications. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (P < 0.05), and in cases of significance, regression analysis was conducted to quantitate the factors. Our results indicate that an increase in proline content in cowpea plants may be seen as indicative of the intensity of water stress on germination and the initial stages of growth of the plant. The BRS Itaim cultivar best tolerates drought conditions with the application of potassium nitrate, given the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase.