Bioinformatics and Functional Analysis of High Oleic Acid-Related Gene Gm<i>SAM22</i> in Soybean [<i>Glycine max</i> (L.) Merr.]

High yield, high quality, stable yield, adaptability to growth period, and modern mechanization are the basic requirements for crops in the 21st century. Soybean oleic acid is a natural unsaturated fatty acid with strong antioxidant properties and stability. Known as a safe fatty acid, it has the ability to successfully prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Improving the fatty acid composition of soybean seeds, can not only speed up the breeding process of high-quality high-oil and high-oleic soybeans, but also have important significance in human health, and provide the possibility for the development of soybean oil as a new energy source. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyze the high oleic acid elated gene GmSAM22 in soybean. In this research the soybean oleic acid-related gene GmSAM22 was screened out by Genome-wide association analysis, a 662 bp fragment was acquired by specific PCR amplification, and the pMD18T cloning vector was linked by the use of a seamless cloning technique. Bioinformatics analysis of the signal peptide prediction, subcellular localization, protein hydrophobicity, transmembrane region analysis, a phosphorylation site, protein secondary and tertiary structure and protein interaction analysis of the protein encoded by the SAM22 gene was carried out. The plasmid of the gene editing vector is pBK041. The overexpression vector was transformed from pCAMBIA3301 as the base vector, and overexpression vector were designed. Positive plants were obtained by genetic transformation by the pollen tube channel method. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed on the T₂ generation plants to detect the relative expression levels in different tissues. Southern Blot was used to detect the presence of hybridization signal. Screening genes BAR, 35S, and NOS in plants were identified by conventional PCR. 10 seeds with high and low oleic acid content were chosen for quantitative PCR identification, and finally, the concentration and morphology of soybean fatty acids were identified by near-far infrared spectroscopy. On 10 seeds with an upper and lower oleic acid content, a quantitative fluorescence analysis was done. In Southern blot hybridization, the SAM22 gene was integrated into the recipient soybean plant in hands of a sole copy. Fluorescence quantitative PCR appeared that the average relative expression of the SAM22 gene in roots, stems, leaves, and seeds was 1.70, 1.67, 3.83, and 4.41, respectively. Positive expression seeds had a 4.77% increase in oleic acid content. The level of oleic acid in the altered seeds was reduced by 4.13% when compared to CK, and it was discovered that the GmSAM22 gene could be a regulatory and secondary gene that promotes the conversion of stearic acid to oleic acid in soybean. There has not been a discussion of gene cloning or functional verification. The cloning and genetic transformation of the soybean SAM22 gene can effectively increase the content of oleic acid, which lays a foundation for the study of soybean with high oleic acid.     

Correlation Analysis of New Soybean [<i>Glycine max</i> (L.) Merr] Gene Gm15G117700 with Oleic Acid

The fatty acid dehydrogenase gene plays an important role in regulating the oleic acid content in soybean. Genome-wide association study screened out soybean oleic acid related gene Gm15G117700. A fragment size of 693bp was obtained by PCR amplification of the gene and, it was connected by seamless cloning technology to the pMD18T cloning vector. Based on the gene sequence cloned, bioinformatic analysis of gene protein was performed. The overexpression vector of Gm15G117700 and the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing vector were constructed. The positive plants were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of soybean cotyledon nodes and T₂ plants were identified by conventional PCR, QT-PCR and Southern blot hybridization. 10 copies of high and low oleic acid seeds were selected for QT-PCR to identify the expression content of Gm15G117700 gene in different soybeans, and finally near-infrared spectroscopy analyzer was used to identify the oleic acid quality of soybeans. T₂ RT-PCR identification showed that overexpression was reduced by 3.94%, and gene editing was increased by 3.49%. It is determined that the Gm15G117700 gene may belong to a regulatory gene, a minor gene that can promote the conversion to linoleic acid content in soybean oleic acid synthesis. The gene cloning and its functional verification was not reported yet. This is the first report by PCR amplification of soybean Gm15G117700 genes and gene expression vector. Improving the content of oleic acid in soybean lay a foundation for researchers. Therefore;this study clearly identified the function of soybean Gm15G117700 gene and its role played in oleic acid synthesis and metabolism.     

Selection of Stable Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR on Herbaceous Peony (<i>Paeonia lactiflora</i> Pall.) in Response to Drought Stress

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), as a high-end cut flower in the international market, has high ornamental and medicinal values. But in Northern China, drought is a major environmental factor influencing the growth and development of P. lactiflora. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) can evaluate gene expression levels under different stress conditions, and stable internal reference is the key for qRT-PCR. At present, there is no systematic screening of internal reference for correcting gene expressions of P. lactiflora in response to drought stress. In this study, 10 candidate genes [ubiquitin (UBQ2), UBQ1, elongation factor 1-α (EF-1α), Histidine (His), eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF), tubulin (TUB), actin (ACT), UBQ3, ACT2, RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II)] were chosen, and 4 analysis methods were used to compare the stabilities for these 10 genes coping with drought stress. Due to the difference of operation methods, the results of different analysis were distinct, and the final comprehensive analysis indicated that EF-1α was a relatively stable internal reference gene for P. lactiflora under drought stress. Also, UBQ1 and UBQ2 were the best reference gene combination according to GeNorm analysis. This study will lay a foundation for screening the key genes of P. lactiflora in response to drought stress.     

Estimation of Genetic Divergence and Character Association Studies in Local and Exotic Diversity Panels of Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i> L.) Genotypes

The availability of favorable genetic diversity is a thriving vitality for the success of a breeding program. It provides a firm basis of selecting superior breeding lines for the development of high yielding crop genotypes. In this context, present investigation aimed to generate information on genetic divergence and character association in a diversity panel of 123 local and exotic soybean genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant response of the evaluated genotypes based on studied attributes. It depicted the probability of selecting desirable soybean genotypes by focusing on character association studies and genetic diversity analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per plant showed high positive correlation with 100-seed weight followed by pods per plant and plant height. Furthermore, path coefficient analysis exposed that pods per plant had maximum direct contribution in seed yield per plant followed by 100-seed weight, days to flowering and SPAD measurement. Genotype named “G-10” showed maximum yield per plant followed by 24607, G-52, 24593, Arisoy, 24566, 17426, A-3127, 24570 and 24567. Genetic diversity analysis grouped the evaluated germplasm into 17 clusters. All clusters showed zero intra-cluster variability; while inter-cluster divergence ranged from 9.00 to 91.11. Cluster V showed maximum inter-cluster distance with cluster XII followed by that of between V and VIII. Moreover, cluster IV with superior genotypes (G-10, 24607, 24593 and 24566), VI (17426 and 24567), XIII (24570) and X (Arisoy and G-52) showed above mean values for most of the studied characters. Overall, the results of hybridization between the superior genotypes of these cluster pairs might be useful for soybean breeding with improving agronomic traits and adaptability.     

Improvement of Selected Morphological,Physiological, and Biochemical Parameters of Banana (<i>Musa acuminata</i> L.) Using Potassium Silicate under Drought Stress Condition Grown <i>in vitro</i>

Drought stress has become more common in recent years as a result of climate change impacts on the production of banana crops and other fruit trees. The growth and productivity of Musa spp are severely impacted by the gradual degradation of water resources and the erratic distribution pattern of annual precipitation amount. The aim of the work includes increased drought tolerance in light of water scarcity in the world as a result of the bananas’ being gluttonous for water needs. This investigation was carried out from 2019 to 2020 to study the effect of potassium silicate on morphological growth and biochemical parameters of Musa acuminata L under drought stress by PEG. As a result, drought stress reduced the morphological characteristics such as shoots number, shoot length, roots number, and survival percentage and biochemical characteristics such as chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, stomatal status, and RWC. While proline content increased in the leaf of M. acuminata L. Media complemented with K₂SiO₃ (2 to 6 mM) either individually or in combination with PEG led to an improvement in all morphological and biochemical characteristics. The activities of CAT, POD, and PPO enzymes increased signifi- cantly compared to control. Furthermore, the lowest PPO, CAT, and POD activity were achieved. Additionally, K₂SiO₃ treatments under drought stress successfully enhanced the leaf stomatal behavior. Our results suggest that K₂SiO₃ can help to maintain plant integrity in the tested cultivar under drought stress.     

Changes in Growth,Photosynthetic Pigments,Cell Viability,Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense System in Two Varieties of Chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i> L.) Subjected to Salinity Stress

Salinity is one of the most severe abiotic stresses for crop production. The present study investigates the salinity-induced modulation in growth indicators, morphology and movement of stomata, photosynthetic pigments, activity of carbonic anhydrase as well as nitrate reductase, and antioxidant systems in two varieties of chickpea (Pusa-BG5023, and Pusa-BGD72). On 20^th day of sowing, plants were treated with varying levels of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) followed by sampling on 45 days of sowing. Recorded observations on both the varieties reveal that salt stress leads to a significant decline in growth, dry biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, stomatal behavior, cell viability, activity of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase with the rise in the concentration of salt. However, quantitatively these changes were less in Pusa-BG5023 as compared to Pusa-BGD72. Furthermore, salinity-induced oxidative stress enhanced malondialdehyde content, superoxide radicals, foliar proline content, and the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. The variety Pusa-BGD72 was found more sensitive than Pusa-BG5023 to salt stress. Out of different graded concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) of sodium chloride, 50 mM was least toxic, and 200 mM was most damaging. The differential behavior of these two varieties measured in terms of stomatal behavior, cell viability, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant defense system can be used as prospective indicators for selection of chickpea plants for salt tolerance and sensitivity.     

Silicon and Nitric Oxide-Mediated Regulation of Growth Attributes,Metabolites and Antioxidant Defense System of Radish (<i>Raphanus sativus</i> L.) under Arsenic Stress

Arsenic (As) contaminated food chains have emerged as a serious public concern for humans and animals and are known to affect the cultivation of edible crops throughout the world. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the individual as well as the combined effects of exogenous silicon (Si) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on plant growth, metabolites, and antioxidant defense systems of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plants under three different concentrations of As stress, i.e., 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mM in a pot experiment. The results showed that As stress reduced the growth parameters of radish plants by increasing the level of oxidative stress markers, i.e., malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. However, foliar application of Si (2 mM) and pretreatment with SNP (100 µM) alone as well as in combination with Si improved the plant growth parameters, i.e., root length, fresh and dry weight of plants under As stress. Furthermore, As stress also reduced protein, and metabolites contents (flavonoids, phenolic and anthocyanin). Activities of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione and ascorbic acid) decreased under As stress. In most of the parameters in radish, As III concentration showed maximum reduction, as compared to As I and II concentrations. However, the individual and combined application of Si and NO significantly alleviated the As-mediated oxidative stress in radish plants by increasing the protein, and metabolites content. Enhancement in the activities of CAT, APX, POD and PPO enzymes were recorded. Contents of glutathione and ascorbic acid were also enhanced in response to co-application of Si and NO under As stress. Results obtained were more pronounced when Si and NO were applied in combination under As stress, as compared to their individual application. In short, the current study highlights that Si and NO synergistically regulate plant growth through lowering the As-mediated oxidative stress by upregulating the metabolites content, activity of antioxidative enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants in radish plants.

     

Total Phenols,Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity in <i>Annona muricata</i> and <i>Annona purpurea</i> Callus Culture

Callus cultures of Annona muricata and Annona purpurea were induced in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA), 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) utilized hypocotyls with explant. The highest percentage of callus formation was the treatment supplemented with 3 mg L^-1 NAA for A. muricata (100%) while for A. purpurea in lower percentage (75%). BA stimulated the formation of shoots in all the evaluated concentrations, being the concentration of 2 mg L^-1 the one that induced the greater formation of shoots for A. muricata (23 shoots/explant) and A. purpurea (28 shoots/explant). The content of total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was measured in the callus obtained from both species. The results showed that a higher content of total phenols was quantified in callus of A. purpurea (27.8 mg g^-1 dw) compared to A. muricata (23.2 mg g^-1 dw). The highest content of total flavonoids was observed in the callus of A. purpurea (8.0 μg g^-1 dw). Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydracil radical assay. The concentration required for 50% inhibition (IC50) of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydracil radicals were 4.22 μg mL^-1 in methanolic extracts of callus of A. muricata, while in extracts of callus of A. purpurea was 2.86 μg mL^-1, in both cases was greater than that found for leaves. Callus culture of the species studied in this work represents an alternative for the production of natural antioxidants.     

Characterization and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Yellow-Green Leaf Mutant <i>ygl16</i> in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Leaf color mutants are ideal materials for studying many plant physiological and metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, hormone physiology and disease resistance. In this study, the genetically stable yellow-green leaf mutant ygl16 was identified from mutated “Xinong 1B”. Compared with the wild type, the pigment concentration and photosynthetic capacity of the ygl16 decreased significantly. The ultrastructural observation showed that the distribution of thylakoid lamellae was irregular in ygl16 chloroplasts, and the grana and matrix lamellae were blurred and loose in varied degrees, and the chloroplast structure was disordered, while the osmiophilic corpuscles increased. The results of the genetic analysis and mapping showed that the phenotype of ygl16 was controlled by a pair of recessive nuclear gene. The gene located in the 56Kb interval between RM25654 and R3 on the long arm of chromosome 10. The sequencing results showed that the 121st base of the first intron of the candidate gene OsPORB/FGL changed from A to T in the interval. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of chlorophyll synthase-related genes in the mutant decreased.     

<i>Aspergillus tubingensis</i> Causes Leaf Spot of Cotton (<i>Gossypium hirsutum</i> L.) in Pakistan

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a key fiber crop of great commercial importance. Numerous phytopathogens decimate crop production by causing various diseases. During July-August 2018, leaf spot symptoms were recurrently observed on cotton leaves in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan and adjacent areas. Infected leaf samples were collected and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. Causal agent of cotton leaf spot was isolated, characterized and identified as Aspergillus tubingensis based on morphological and microscopic observations. Conclusive identification of pathogen was done on the comparative molecular analysis of CaM and β-tubulin gene sequences. BLAST analysis of both sequenced genes showed 99% similarity with A. tubingensis. Koch’s postulates were followed to confirm the pathogenicity of the isolated fungus. Healthy plants were inoculated with fungus and similar disease symptoms were observed. Fungus was re-isolated and identified to be identical to the inoculated fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the involvement of A. tubingensis in causing leaf spot disease of cotton in Pakistan and around the world.     

Proteomic Profiling and Protein-Protein Interaction Network Reveal the Molecular Mechanisms of Susceptibility to Drought Stress in Canola (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.)

Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses that plants face frequently in nature. Under droughtconditions, many morphological, physiological, and molecular aspects of plants are changed and as a result plantsexperience a remarkable reduction in growth, yield, and reproduction. To expand our understanding of the molecular basis of the plant response to drought stress, the proteomic profile and protein-protein network of canola(Brassica napus L.) were studied. The focus was to show molecular mechanisms related to canola susceptibility todrought stress. The experiment used a completely randomized design, implemented in a hydroponic system undergreenhouse conditions. To impose drought stress, plants were exposed to Hoagland’s solution supplemented withpolyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 for 7 days. The drought stress resulted in 161reproducible protein spots in twodimensional electrophoresis of canola leaves. The t-student test showed 21 differentially abundant proteins(DAP), of which 2 and 19 were up and down accumulated, respectively. Two spots identified as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase and D-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase showed an increased abundance of 2.11 and1.77, respectively. The extended protein-protein interaction of differentially abundant proteins and KEGG analysisshowed 47 pathways directly and indirectly associated with canola response to drought stress. DAPs with increasedabundance were associated with amino acid and signaling processes, whereas DAPs with decreased abundance weremostly connected with pathways responsible for energy production. The results of the study will help to elucidatefurther the molecular events associated with the susceptibility to drought stress in canola.     

Effects of Cadmium on Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidative Defences of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

The effects of 60-d cadmium (Cd) exposure on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative system of Oryza sativa L. seedlings at tillering stage were studied using soil culture experiment. Research findings showed that chlorophyll content of Oryza sativa L. declined with the increase in soil metal concentration. Cd pollution induced the antioxidant stress by inducing O₂ ^?1 and H₂O₂, which increased in plants; at the same time, MDA as the final product of peroxidation of membrane lipids, accumulated in plant. The antioxidant enzyme system was initiated under the Cd exposure, i.e. almost all the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase were elevated both in leaves and roots. The non-protein thiols including phytochelatins and glutathione to scavenge toxic free radicals caused by Cd stress was also studied. The contents of phytochelatins and glutathione were about 3.12–6.65-fold and 3.27–10.73-fold in leaves, against control; and the corresponding values were about 3.53–9.37-fold and 1.41–5.11-fold in roots, accordingly.     

Effect of Cadmium Stress on the Growth,Physiology, Stress Markers,Antioxidants and Stomatal Behaviour of Two Genotypes of Chickpea ( <i>Cicer arietinum </i>L.)

The current work was performed to know the impact of cadmium (Cd) toxicity on two different genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) namely Pusa-BG1053 and Pusa-BG372. Cadmium was applied in the form of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), in varying levels, 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg Cd kg^-1 soil. Plant growth as well as physiological attributes were decreased with increasing concentration of Cd. Both genotypes showed the maximum and significant reduction at the maximum dose of Cd (100 mg Cd kg^-1 soil). Results of this study proved that the genotype Pusa-BG1053 was more tolerant and showed a lower decline in growth, photosynthetic and biochemical attributes than Pusa-BG372. This later genotype showed the maximum reduction and was sensitive to Cd stress. A better activity of antioxidants protected Pusa-BG1053 from Cd toxicity; on the other hand, the activity of antioxidants was much lower in Pusa-BG372. Scanning electron microscopic studies showed differences in both genotypes. In Pusa-BG1053, stomatal quantity was higher and stomata were slightly close to the characteristic guard cells. In Pusa-BG372 stomata were lower, slightly open and with highly affected guard cells. Root cell mortality due to the harsh effects of Cd appeared to be more evident in Pusa-BG372 than Pusa-BG1053, which was visible under a confocal microscope. As a result of this study, Pusa-BG1053 was a more tolerant genotype, and exhibited a minimum reduction in terms of all studied parameters than Pusa-BG372, which was a sensitive genotype to Cd toxicity.

     

Construction and Functional Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 Vector of <i>FAD2</i> Gene Family in Soybean

Soybean oleic acid content is one of the important indexes to evaluate the quality of soybean oil. In the synthesis pathway of soybean fatty acids, the FAD2 gene family is the key gene that regulates the production of linoleic acid from soybean oleic acid. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology was used to regulate FAD2 gene expression. Firstly, the CRISPR/Cas9 single knockout vectors GmFAD2-1B and GmFAD2-2C and double knockout vectors GmFAD2-2A-3 were constructed. Then, the three vectors were transferred into the recipient soybean variety Jinong 38 by Agrobacterium-mediated cotyledon node transformation, and the mutant plants were obtained. Functional analysis and comparison of the mutant plants of the T2 and T3 generations were carried out. The results showed that there was no significant difference in agronomic traits between the CRISPR/Cas9 single and double knockout vectors and the untransformed CRISPR/Cas9 receptor varieties. The oleic acid content of the plants that knocked out the CRISPR/Cas9 double gene vector was significantly higher than that of the single gene vector.     

Selection of thermotolerant bradyrhizobial strains for nodulation of soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> L.) in semi-arid regions of Iran

Nodulation of soybeans grown in semi-arid region of southern parts of Iran is poor due to high air and soil temperatures. Here we identified thermotolerant isolates of soybean bradyrhizobia and evaluated the nitrogen fixation efficiency of the isolates under heat stress conditions in greenhouse and field experiments. The ability of fifty-six bradyrhizobial isolates to grow on solid or in liquid yeast extract mannitol medium at 38 and 41°C was evaluated. We identified 19 isolates, which were able to grow at 38°C and 10 isolates able to grow at 41°C. Greenhouse experiments were carried out at 28 and 38°C to study the nitrogen-fixing capacity of the isolates under optimal and high temperature conditions. Ten isolates had a symbiotic index of effectiveness of 80% or greater compared with nitrogen-fertilized treatments in greenhouse experiments at 28°C. Some thermotolerant isolates demonstrated good nitrogen-fixing performance at 38°C. Eight isolates were selected for use in a field trial in the natural high temperature environment of the Dezful region in Iran. Our results demonstrate that geographical origin can have a great influence on the successful selection of thermotolerant bradyrhizobia. Our thermotolerant isolates were mainly obtained from high-temperature regions, and improved shoot dry matter, nitrogen-uptake and seed yield of the plants.     

<i>Trichoderma</i>-Induced Improvement in Growth,Photosynthetic Pigments,Proline, and Glutathione Levels in <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> Seedlings under Salt Stress

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stress in plants. However, traditional approaches are not always efficient in conferring salt tolerance. Experiments were conducted to understand the role of Trichoderma spp. (T. harzianum and T. viride) in growth, chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis, and proline accumulation of C. pepo exposed to salinity stress. There were three salt stress (50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) lavels and three different Trichoderma inoculation viz. T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. harzianum + T. viride. Salt stress significantly declined the growth in terms of the shoot and root lengths; however, it was improved by the inoculation of Trichoderma spp. C. pepo inoculated with Trichoderma exhibited increased synthesis of pigments like chl a, chl b, carotenoids, and anthocyanins under normal conditions. It was interesting to observe that such positive effects were maintained under salt-stressed conditions, as reflected by the amelioration of the salinity-mediated decline in growth, physiology and antioxidant defense. The inoculation of Trichoderma spp. enhanced the synthesis of proline, glutathione, proteins and increased the relative water content. In addition, Trichoderma inoculation increased membrane stability and reduced the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, Trichoderma spp. can be exploited either individually or in combination to enhance the growth and physiology of C. pepo under saline conditions.     

Organic Amendments Improve Plant Morpho-Physiology and Antioxidant Metabolism in Mitigating Drought Stress in Bread Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)

Due to the unpredictable climate change, drought stress is being considered as one of the major threats to crop production. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. BARI Gom-26) being a dry season crop frequently faces scarcity of water and results in a lower yield. Therefore, this experiment aims to explore the role of different organic amendments (OAs) in mitigating drought stress-induced damage. The pot experiment consisted of different organic amendments viz. compost, vermicompost and poultry manure @0.09 kg m⁻² soil, biochar @2.5% w/w soil and chitosan @1% w/w soil which was imposed on the plants grown under both well-watered and drought conditions. Results showed that drought stress reduced plant height (15%), SPAD value (16%), relative water content (13%), number of spikelet spike⁻¹ (17%), number of grains spike⁻¹ (12%), and 100-grain weight (18%). Organic amendments act as a protectant and reduce drought stress-induced damages by enhancing the morpho-physiological and yield attributes. Vermicompost enhanced SPAD value by 18%, number of spikelets spike⁻¹ by 20%, number of grains spike⁻¹ by 17%, whereas poultry manure increased plant height by 16% under drought condition compared to control plant. Unlike other OAs applied, vermicompost was proved to be capable of reducing the higher lipid peroxidation and proline content raised by drought condition. Drought stress-induced increment of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were also efficiently modulated by the organic amendment application. The present study concluded that OAs play significant roles in alleviating drought stressinduced damages by improving the morpho-physiological attributes and among the different types of OAs used vermicompost performed better which in addition ceased the production of reactive oxygen species.