ESSENCE - International Journal for Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation
Volume VIII: No. 1 2017 [224 – 231]
Trends of pigmentation in foliar tissue of some arid and Sub-arid zone plants
of Northern Rajasthan
Malhotra, G. S.1 and Madan, Jyoti2
Received: January 26, 2017  Accepted: February 11, 2017  Online: June 30, 2017
Abstract
The contents of chlorophylls and carotenoids
provide valuable information about the
physiological and metabolic state of the
plant. The present study was conducted to
know the plant pigmentation status in foliar
tissue of few arid and sub-arid zone plants of
the Northern Rajasthan. The three replicate
samples from selected plant species were
taken and analysed for plant pigmentation.
The study reveals that Chlorophyll a is the
foremost plant pigment which were being
found with other ancillary plant pigments
such as chlorophyll b and carotenoids with
significate mathematical correlation values
and among the Salvadora persica, Cordia
dicotma and Zizyphus nummularia have
greatest values for plant pigments.
Keywords: Plant pigments | Chlorophylls |
Carotenoids | Arid zone plants
For correspondence:
1Departmentof Environmental Sciences,
2Departmentof Chemistry,
Maharshi Dayanand College, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan,
India
Email: gurmeet.malhotra@gmail.com
[ISSN 0975 - 6272]
[www.essence-journal.com]
Introduction
The chlorophylls and carotenoids are the
common pigments of the plant leaf that are
responsible for the photosynthesis. The
contents of chlorophylls and carotenoids
provide valuable information about the
physiological and metabolic state of the plant
(Sims et. al., 2000, Gitelson and Merzlyak
1994, Jones et. al., 2004). In recent few
years, Chlorophyll and carotenoids studies
have been used to evaluate the plant
responses to environmental factors including
elevated carbon dioxide (Houpis and
Anderson 1991), season (Ottander et. al.,
1995), light levels (Lewandowska 1977) and
nutrient availability (Bracher and Murtha
1993). Further, pigments ratio like
chlorophyll a/b and carotenoids/chlorophyll
(a+b) used as a tool to study the
photosynthetic acclimation in plants (Ormrod
et. al., 1999) and it has also been studied that
ratios of chlorophyll a/b and
carotenoids/chlorophyll (a+b) is positively
correlated with excess light stress in plants
(Demmig and Adams 1996).
Essentially, the chlorophylls and carotenoids
absorb light energy and transfer it to the
photosynthetic apparatus of leaf, therefore,
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 Malhotra & Madan/Vol. VIII [1] 2017/224 – 231
determination of leaf pigment’s contents can
provide a valuable information to integrate
and understand the productivity of the plants
(Sims and Gamon 2000) and hence, the
content of plant pigments help to understand
the ecosystem productivity (Gonzalez et. al.,
2000).
The chlorophylls content and the chlorophyll
a/b ratio in some plants is affected by
temperature (Ottander et. al., 1995) and
prevail shade characteristics (Castrillo et. al.,
2001). Besides this, variation in plant
pigments could be related to phenological
phases of the plant species such as flowering
and production of sprouts (Arthur et al.,
1987) and high carotenoids concentration is
directly associated with environmental stress
(Pallett and Young, 1990).
Physiography of the Area
This region has both extremities of climate,
as it is too hot during the summer, while too
cold and dried in winter. Prior to 1927, this
region was dominated by sand dunes but
presently by the approaching of three canal
systems (1) Gang canal system (2) Indira
Gandhi canal system (3) Bhakra canal
system, the land use pattern has been shifted
towards the agriculture. Now it is considered
as irrigated-desert and dominated by
agriculture and agriculture based industries.
Its terrain is made by alluvial sandy-loam soil
and there is an absence of rocks or gravel
material (Ramakrishnan M. and
Vaidyanadhan R. 2010). Due to the
deficiency of water, alluvial actions on the
ground are more prominent and top soil
remain scarce in organic matter and soil
nutrients.
 
Materials and Methods
The present study was conducted between the
July 2010 to September 2010 and 10
different plant species viz.- Aegel marmelos,
Albizia lebbeek, Butea monosperma, Cordia
dicotma, Ficus bengalensis, Moringa
oleifera, Salvadora persica, Tecomella
undulata, Zizyphus jujube, Zizyphus
nummularia were selected for the sampling.
The fresh leaves of these plants were
collected from the 4 different localities viz.-
Khalsa College Campus, M.D College
Campus, S.G.N. Girls College Campus, Teen
Puli Road at Sri Ganganagar. The 3 replicate
samples of the mature leaf of each plant were
collected from the sampling sites. Only
leaves that were healthy and homogeneous in
colour without visible symptoms of damage
were taken. The extraction of plant pigment
was prepared in 80% acetone by taking the
1cm2 area of sampling leaf. To get the
homogenous chlorophyll+Acetone solution,
the centrifugation for 5 minutes at 2500 rpm
was performed (Boyer 2000). All the care
was taken to avoid any type of
contamination.
The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, Total
chlorophyll (a+b) and Total Carotenoids
(x+c) content were determined spectrophoto -
metrically by using the following equations.
The optical density/absorbance A was
measured at 663.2 nm, 646.8 nm and 470 nm
(Lichtenthaler and Buschmann, 2001).
Chlorophyll a = 12.25*A663.2-2.79*A646.8
Chlorophyll b = 21.50*A646.8-5.10*A663.2
Chlorophyll (a+b) =7.15*A663.2 +
18.71*A646.8
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 Malhotra & Madan/Vol. VIII [1] 2017/224 – 231 

Total Carotenoids (x+c) =1000*A470-1.82chl in the experiment 1 cm2 leaf tissue was
a - 85.02 chl b/198 extracted in Acetone therefor the final result
can be expressed as g/cm2.
The value of Pigment Concentration was
found in g/ml of extracted solution. Since,
Observations
Chl.b
Chl.a Total Chl. Total Carot.
Sampling Plant Species (g/cm2 Chl/Carot. Chl. a/b
(g/cm2) (g/cm2) (g/cm2)
)
Aegel marmelos 18.28 06.89 25.17 05.86 4.290 2.651
Albizia lebbeek 21.26 06.70 27.96 08.40 3.327 3.170
Butea monosperma 14.14 06.34 20.49 05.14 3.980 2.228
Cordia dicotma 45.87 16.62 62.50 12.42 5.032 2.758
Ficus bengalensis 29.06 12.81 41.87 09.38 4.463 2.265
Moringa oleifera 30.22 08.63 38.86 9.018 4.308 3.499
Salvadora persica 48.64 25.68 74.32 11.49 6.464 1.894
Tecomella undulata 15.49 05.88 21.38 05.45 3.919 2.632
Zizyphus jujuba 21.34 08.91 30.25 11.25 2.688 2.395
Zizyphus nummularia 44.37 24.91 69.28 12.35 5.609 1.781
Table 1.1 Showing the mean values (all sampling sites) of
plant pigment contents in studied plant species
Results and Discussion
dicotma (16.62 g/cm2) have the higher
The study of photosynthetic pigments of value for chlorophyll b. On the other hand,
some arid and sub-arid zone plants of Tecomella undulata has the lowest value of
Northern Rajasthan is revealing that all plants chlorophyll b (5.88 g/cm2).
are differed in pigment contents according to
The curve between Total chlorophyll and
their age, size and photosynthetic potential.
sampling plant species (Figure 1.3) is
The curve between chlorophyll a and showing that Salvadora persica have the
sampling plant species (Figure 1.1) is highest value for Total chlorophylls (74.32
showing that Salvadora persica have the g/cm2). The higher values of Total
greatest value for chlorophyll a (48.64 chlorophyll are advocating that plant species
g/cm ),
2
subsequently, Cordia dicotma Salvadora persica and Zizyphus nummularia
(45.87 g/cm ) and Zizyphus nummularia
2
have great photosynthetic potential. Since the
(44.375 g/cm2) have higher values. On the photosynthetic activity is directly related to
other hand, Butea monosperma have the plant productivity (Gitelson and Merzlyak
lowest value for chlorophyll a (14.14 1994), so these plants also have higher
g/cm2). productivity among all these arid plant
species. It has been established that
The curve between chlorophyll b and
productivity of higher plants is mediated by
sampling plant species (Figure 1.2) is
leaves and adaptation of plants to the
showing that Salvadora persica have the
environment involve leaf traits (Valladars
greatest value for chlorophyll b (25.68
et.al., 2000).
g/cm2), and subsequently, Zizyphus
nummularia (24.91 g/cm2) and Cordia
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 Malhotra & Madan/Vol. VIII [1] 2017/224 – 231
The curve between Total chlorophylls and
sampling plant species (Figure 1.3) also
giving an interesting interpretation that
Salvadora persica, Zizyphus nummularia and
Cordia dicotma have higher values of Total
chlorophylls, besides, their tendency to
remain shade enduring during the
photosynthesis. Consequently, they have
increased chlorophyll in their leaves to
compensate the effect of dim light versus
productivity (Valladars et.al., 2000).
The curve between Total carotenoids and
sampling plant species (Figure 1.4) is
showing that Cordia dicotma have greatest
value for Total carotenoids (12.42 g/cm2)
and plant species Zizyphus nummularia
(12.35 g/cm2) Salvadora persica (11.49
g/cm ) and Zizyphus jujuba (11.25 g/cm )
2 2
also have higher values for Total carotenoids.
Usually, carotenoids have a tendency to
being increased in leaves along the amplified
light intensity (Valladars et.al., 2000). So, it
is revealing that these plants are receiving the
high light intensity and authenticating the
arid climatic condition of the studied region.
The two indices chlorophyll/carotenoids ratio
and chlorophyll a/b ratio are very useful for
the study of environmental stress (Engin and
Sprent 1973, Morilla et.al., 1973). The curve
between Total chlorophyll/Total carotenoids
ratio and sampling plant species (Figure 1.5)
is showing that Salvadora persica has the
highest value of this index (6.46). It is giving
an interpretation that this plant is under the
stress or alteration in the activity of enzyme
system. The chlorophyll/carotenoids ratio is
falling between 2.688 to 6.464 in studied
plant species. Remarkable, these sampling
plant species have wide breadth for this index
 
and it is varying at almost double in
magnitude. So, there is no common fashion
of pigmentation ratio found in the studied
plants.
The curve between chlorophyll a/b ratio and
studied plant species (Figure 1.6) is revealing
that Moringa oleifera has the greatest value
of chlorophyll a/b index. It is giving a
conclusion that this plant is potentially under
the influence of pollution or environmental
stress. This finding can be useful for the
making of an ideal bioindicator for
environmental stress in this region. In general
setting, the chlorophyll a/b index falling
between 1.781-3.499 in all studied arid and
sub-arid plant species of Northern Rajasthan.
The curve between chlorophyll a and
chlorophyll b (Figure 1.7) of studied plant
species are showing a statistically good
correlation between them with the value of
r2=0.854. Similarly, the curve between Total
chlorophyll and Total carotenoids (Figure
1.8) of studied plant species is also showing
the correlation between them with the value
of r2=0.702. This is giving an interpretation
that plant pigments found in leaves are inter-
dependent on each other. Therefore, pigment
concentration and functioning are contingent
with coexisting pigments.
The curves between Chlorophyll a and Total
carotenoids (Figure 1.9) is showing a
statistically significant correlation with the
value of r2=0.728 and curve between
Chlorophyll b and Total carotenoids (Figure
1.10) is showing a statistically less
significant correlation with the value of
r2=0.593. Therefore, the values of correlation
coefficients (r) are resulting, that the
concentration of chlorophyll a in foliar tissue
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 Malhotra & Madan/Vol. VIII [1] 2017/224 – 231 

is much related with a linear mathematical 80

70

regression model to Total carotenoids,

60

instead of chlorophyll b concentration

Total Chlorophyll
50

because carotenoids pigmentation is showing 40

much affinity with Chlorophyll a. It is 30

20

interesting to note that in general trends of

10

pigmentation in arid and sub-arid plant 0

A. ma rme los A. le bbe e k B. monospe rma C. dic ot ma F. be nga le nsis M. ole if e ra S . pe r sic a T. undula t a Z. jujuba Z. nummula ria

species of Northern Rajasthan, Chlorophyll a Sampling plant species

is considerably affecting the concentration of Figure 1.3 Showing distribution of Total Chlorophyll
Total carotenoids or vice versa. in different plant species

The curves between chlorophyll a and Total 14

12

chlorophylls/Total Carotenoids ratio (Figure 10

Total Carotenoids
1.11) and curve between Chlorophyll b and 8

Total chlorophylls/Total Carotenoids ratio 6

(Figure 1.12) are also showing some 4

statistically significant correlations among 0

them with value of r2 viz.–0.671, 0.740.

A. ma rme los A. le bbe e k B. monospe rma C. dic ot ma F. be nga le nsis M. ole ife ra S . pe rsic a T. undula t a Z. jujuba Z. nummula ria

Sampling plant species

These values are also concluding similar Figure 1.4 Showing distribution of Total carotenoids
results that pigmentations in foliar tissue are in different plant species
interdependent with each other. 7

60 6

50 5
C h lo ro p h yll/ Caro t.

40
4
Chlorophyll a

30
3

20
2

10
1

0
0
A. marmelos A. lebbeek B. monospe rma C. dicotma F. bengalensis M. oleifera S. persica T. undulata Z. jujuba Z. nummularia
A. marmelos A. lebbeek B. monosperma C. dicot ma F. bengalensis M. oleife ra S . persica T. undulat a Z. jujuba Z. nummularia
Sampling plant species Sampling plant species

Figure 1.1 Showing distribution of Chlorophyll a in Figure 1.5 Showing distribution of Total Chlorophyll/
different plant species Total carotenoids ratio in different plant species
4

30
3.5

25 3
Chlorophyll a/b

20 2.5
Chlorophyll b

2
15

1.5
10

1
5

0.5
0
A. marm elos A. lebbeek B. m onospe rma C. dicotma F. bengalensis M. oleif era S. persica T. undulata Z. jujuba Z. numm ular ia
0
Sampling plant species A. ma rme los A. le bbe e k B. monospe rma C. dic ot ma F. be nga le nsis M. ole ife ra S . pe rsic a T. undula t a Z. jujuba Z. nummula ria

Sampling plant species

Figure 1.2 Showing distribution of Chlorophyll b in
different plant species
Figure 1.6 Showing distribution of chlorophyll a/b
ratio in different plant species
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 Malhotra & Madan/Vol. VIII [1] 2017/224 – 231 

14.4
28
13.2

24 12

10.8

Total Carotenoids
20
9.6
C hlorophy ll b

8.4
16

7.2

12
6

4.8
8
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28
Chlo ro phyll b

0
Figure 1.10 Showing correlation between Chlorophyll
10 15 20 25 30
Chlorophyll a
35 40 45
b and Total Carotenoids with value of r2= 0.593

Figure 1.7 Showing correlation between Chlorophyll a 6.6

and Chlorophyll b with value of r2= 0.854 6

5.4

Total Chl./Carot.
14.4 4.8

4.2
13.2

3.6

12
3

2.4
10.8
T o t a l C a ro t e n oid s

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Chlo ro phyll a
9.6

8.4
Figure 1.11 Showing correlation between Chlorophyll
7.2 a and Total Chl./Total Carot. with value of r2= 0.671
6
6.6

4.8 6

24 32 40 48 56 64 72 5.4
Total Chl./ Total Carot.

Total Chlorophyll
4.8

4.2

Figure 1.8 showing correlation between Total Chlorophyll 3.6

and Total Carotenoids with value of r2= 0.702 3

2.4

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28
13.2 Chlo ro phyll b

12
Figure 1.12 Showing correlation between Chlorophyll
10.8
b and Total Chl./Total Carot. with value of r2= 0.740
T o t a l C a ro t e n o id s

9.6 6.6

6
8.4
5.4
Total Chl./ Total Carot.

7.2
4.8

4.2
6

3.6

4.8
3

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
2.4
Chlorophyll a
1.2 1.6 2 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4
Chlo ro phyll a/b

Figure 1.9 showing correlation between Chlorophyll a Figure 1.13 Showing correlation between Chlorophyll a/b
and Total Carotenoids with value of r2= 0.728 and Total Chl./Total Carot. with value of r2= -0.241

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