Enzymes of Ammonia Assimilation and Transamination in Relation to Hybrid Vigour in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke)

Changes in the activities of enzymes of ammonia assimilation viz., glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), together with the activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were analysed in the topmost fully expanded leaf of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke) hybrid BJ-104 , and its parents, J-104 and 5141-A , during the entire period of growth in field. Ammonia assimilation enzymes showed strong ontogenic trends and the hybrid attained activities either equal to the better (male) parent or showed better parental heterosis. In contrast to this both GOT and GPT activities were slightly higher than the poor (female) parent. The role of these enzymes in relation to chlorophyll synthesis and transport of metabolites from cellular compartments of C₄ plants, are discussed. Surveying the literature on attempts to propose biochemical criteria for hybrid vigour, it is proposed that there cannot be a universal criterion, rather rate limiting steps in different cultivars should be searched.