In this study, the induced responses of Kabuli and Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes to cold stress physio-biochemical and molecular indices have been assayed. Cold acclimation established more readiness in facing up cold stress in Kabuli genotype compared to Desi one so that the minimum damage indices and the maximum enzyme activities were observed under these conditions. Simultaneous change of antioxidative activities related with damage indices electrolyte leakage index (ELI) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) showed that these enzymes accompanied with other defense mechanisms increased cold tolerance in chickpea. Results indicated that there were significant differences in catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) genes expression under thermal treatments. A significant increase of genes expression in Kabuli genotype compared to Desi one showed global patterns programmed cell responses along with increases in antioxidative activities, accompanying with a significant decrease particularly in Kabuli genotype. The short-term cold acclimation increased genetic capacity in chickpea genotypes so that the degree of tolerance in Kabuli genotype was higher than that of Desi one. Such defense and damage indices may be used as cold tolerance marker in evaluation of genotypes in a short-term cold stress profitably in a short time and low cost.

Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Gene expression, Cold, Short-term cold acclimation, damage index

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