Seasonal Variation in Proline Content of the Leaves of Azadirachta Indica, Under the Influence of Marble Slurry Dust

Azadirachta indica A. juss. is the most preferred tree species for plantation in green belt and on road sides. Even in the Marble Slurry Dump yard at Kishangarh, Ajmer, it is the most dominant tree species in the green belt developed on the embankment. The plants in the region are subjected to air, water as well as soil polluted by the prevailing Marble Slurry Dust. Proline is an important secondary amino acid and its measurement is an excellent stress detector. In the present course of study, higher level of proline has been reported during winter months as well as during the rainy season. The former may be attributed to the greater accumulation of suspended slurry dust on the aerial plant parts while higher level of proline during monsoons indicates the stress induced by the soil and ground water pollution.