Identification and Evaluation of Cellular and Biochemical Changes in Responses to Desiccation Tolerance in Cheilanthes Albomarginata Fern

Cheilanthes albomarginata (CA) is a fern belongs to Pteridaceae family and is found mainly in hills of India, Pakistan and Nepal at an altitudes 1300-2700m.It grows in rock crevices and has been recognized as a desiccation tolerant (DT) plant.It has the ability to survive under complete desiccation and resurrect under minimal water conditions.An extensive field survey was conducted in Devarayanadurga State Forest, Tumakuru district which led to collection and positive identification of CA.Also, studied desiccation tolerance in the CA.Detached fronds from healthy plants are fully hydrated then subsequent desiccation and rehydration are subjected to experimental study.During desiccation, the relative water content (RWC) of detached desiccated fronds decreased rapidly to 9.2 % after 13 hrs and desiccated fronds showed intense inward curving as a result of water loss.During rehydration, the RWC of the detached fronds regained to 90.68 % within 4 hrs.The rehydrated fronds regained broadly the original morphology.Further, activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, and GR), lipid peroxidation, proline and relative electrolyte leakage increased during desiccation.Also sucrose and starch content showed varying response to desiccation stress.However, plasma membrane integrity was lost during to dehydration.The results obtained revealed that CA is metabolically potent to tolerate desiccation.