In the face of climate change, crops are increasingly exposed to erratic weather patterns, with cold stress posing a significant threat to productivity, particularly for sensitive crops like chickpeas. A recent study published in *Frontiers in Plant Science* offers a promising solution to mitigate these challenges, focusing on the role of nitric oxide in enhancing reproductive resilience in chickpeas under cold stress.
Chickpeas, a vital source of protein for millions worldwide, are particularly vulnerable to cold stress during their reproductive phase, which can drastically reduce pod set and yield. To address this issue, researchers led by Sarbjeet Kaur from the Department of Botany at Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, investigated the potential of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, to protect chickpeas from cold-induced damage.
The study involved both cold-tolerant (CT) and cold-sensitive (CS) chickpea genotypes, which were subjected to cold stress (15/8°C day/night) for 21 days during their reproductive stage. The researchers applied SNP treatments exogenously, both before and during the stress period, and monitored the plants’ responses.
The results were striking. Cold stress significantly lowered endogenous NO levels in leaves, anthers, and ovules, particularly in CS genotypes, leading to reduced pollen viability and germination. However, SNP treatment restored NO levels and improved reproductive performance, with more pronounced effects in CS genotypes. “The application of SNP not only enhanced pollen germination and viability but also boosted pod set and seed yield,” Kaur explained. “This suggests that NO donors like SNP could be a game-changer for chickpea cultivation in regions prone to cold stress.”
The study revealed that SNP treatment led to a 57.9% increase in pollen germination and a 28.0% increase in pollen viability in CS genotypes. Moreover, enhanced anther function resulted in a remarkable 157.2% increase in pod set and a 62.0% higher seed yield. SNP also improved physiological traits, including cellular viability, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content.
The researchers found that SNP treatment triggered the accumulation of cryoprotectants like proline, trehalose, and sucrose in anthers, reinforcing cold resilience. Simultaneously, oxidative stress was alleviated through reduced malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and electrolyte leakage. The treatment also upregulated both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components, further enhancing the plants’ cold tolerance.
The implications of this research for the agriculture sector are substantial. Chickpeas are a staple crop in many parts of the world, and cold stress can lead to significant yield losses. By using NO donors like SNP, farmers could potentially safeguard their crops and ensure more stable yields, even in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
“This study highlights the potential of NO donors to enhance cold tolerance in chickpeas,” Kaur said. “It opens up new avenues for developing cold-resistant cultivars and improving agricultural productivity under stress conditions.”
As climate change continues to pose challenges for global agriculture, innovative solutions like this one will be crucial in ensuring food security. The findings from this study could pave the way for future developments in crop protection and stress management, offering hope for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
The research was published in *Frontiers in Plant Science* and was led by Sarbjeet Kaur from the Department of Botany at Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.