Muscilage characterization, biochemical and enzymatic activities of laser irradiated Lagenaria siceraria seedlings.

Laser stimulation effect on L. siceraria seed mucilage, biochemicals and enzymatic activities during early growth stages were investigated. The laser density power of 1mW/cm(2) for 3 and 5min treatments were performed and various responses i.e., seedlings mucilage, biochemical and enzymatic activities were studied. Laser treatment of L. siceraria seeds enhanced the biochemical as well as the enzymatic activities. TPC (total phenolic contents),TFC (total flavonoids contents), TSS (total soluble sugar), reducing sugar, proline contents, total soluble protein and nitrogen contents were recorded higher in laser treated groups versus control. Mucilage from L. siceraria seed coat was also characterized. The pre-sowing seeds were treated with laser radiation for 3 and 5min. TPC, TFC, proline contents, total soluble protein and nitrogenous compounds contents, ascorbic acid contents were recorded higher at 3min. The laser irradiation effect on TSS, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) was insignificant versus control. The SOD (superoxide dismutase) and POD (peroxidase), AMY (amylase), CAT (catalase) activities were recorded higher for 5min laser treatment. Results revealed that He-Ne continuous wave-laser pre-sowing seed irradiation affected the seed coat mucilage, biochemical and enzymatic activities positively and this treatment could possibly be used to enhance the L. siceraria productivity. Future study will be focused on growth at later stages and yield characteristics of L. siceraria.