Comparative
adaptability against salinity was assessed between the two wellknown 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 antioxidants (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.