Water deficit causes a reduction of growth parameters for all plants. Cytological and biochemical responses of fava beans (Vicia faba L.) to marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) extract were investigated under water deficit conditions. Two sets of V. faba seeds were used. Seeds of the first set were soaked for 24 hours in 50, 100 and 150 mg/ml O. majorana extract. Seeds of the second set were irrigated with the same extract concentrations for 28 days. Seed germination rate, plant height, number, area and chlorophyll content of leaves, as well as the dry and wet weights of shoot and root after soaking in the extract were higher than those irrigated by the extract. The mitotic index (MI) showed a higher rate of cell division in V. faba roots treated with different concentrations of O. majorana extract (either by irrigation or by soaking) compared with the control. Protein patterns from control and treated plants were studied using SDS-PAGE technique. Protein bands were induced in fava bean plants exposed to water deficit whereas marjoram extract caused a decrease in protein accumulation. Results from this study suggested that O. majorana extract could be used to alleviate the effect of water deficit stress on V. faba plants.
Key words: Vicia faba, faba beans, Origanum majorana, marjoram, , water deficit, antioxidants, cell division.
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