ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Effect of varying seasons on Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical parameters in Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of varying seasons on morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters in mungbean, using 25-day-old seedlings grown during two different seasons: Monsoon (wet, moderate temperature) and Summer (dry, high temperature). The comprehensive analysis of growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, and biochemical defense mechanisms reveals distinct seasonal adaptations and stress responses in mungbean. Seedlings grown during the Monsoon season demonstrated superior vegetative growth, characterized by longer shoots, optimal leaf development (leaf area), and higher biomass accumulation (both fresh and dry weights). This is attributed to favorable ambient temperatures, adequate relative humidity, and optimal soil moisture conditions which support active vegetative growth. Monsoon conditions favored high chlorophyll retention, indicating an efficient photosynthetic apparatus and robust light-harvesting capability under moderate climatic conditions. Under summer conditions, a decline in chlorophyll content was observed, which points toward heat-induced pigment degradation or a down-regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis. Concurrently, the modulation of carotenoids—which act as vital photoprotective pigments—served as a crucial physiological shield, safeguarding the photosynthetic machinery against photo-oxidative damage caused by intense summer solar radiation. The biochemical profile - encompassing protein, proline, catalase, and peroxidase activities, clearly highlight how the seedlings manage seasonal oxidative stress, particularly during the unfavourable summer months.