The flag leaf from each treatment was taken and then immediately
dipped in liquid N and subsequently stored at −80 ◦C
until analysis. Approximately 30mg leaf sample was weighed and
crushed using a precooled mortar and pestle by keeping pestle into
ice to avoid heating during crushing in 2ml deionized water. The
samples were homogenized by shaking for 24 h at 4 ◦C and then