Abstract
The present investigation was carried out to explore the biochemical changes and antioxidant variations, including non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant variations, in the leaves of different varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) belonging to the early, mid-, and late-flowering categories in the United Arab Emirates. The changes in the protein and phenol concentration; the ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, and α-tocopherol contents; and the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were studied in the leaves during the preflowering, flowering, and postflowering stages of the date palms. Two varieties each from the early (Shaham, Khanezi), mid- (Barhee, Nabthasaif), and late- (Khasab, Fardh) flowering types were used in this study. The protein content in the leaves was higher in the early flowering varieties during the preflowering stage but lower in the other two varieties. The phenol content showed an opposite trend to the protein. There was significant variation in the ascorbic acid content and a reduction in glutathione and α-tocopherol between the leaves of different varieties. Similarly, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme ascorbate peroxidase in the leaves was higher during the preflowering stage in all varieties. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and catalase (CAT) activity was highest in the Bharhee leaves for all the stages. The peroxidase activity (POD) was highest in the Fardh variety of date palm, whereas the Khanezi variety exhibited the lowest activity. This study can be used as a baseline for developing more protocols for understanding the possible roles of biochemicals, antioxidants, antioxidant enzymes, and their interactions in the regulation of flower development in different date palm varieties.
Highlights
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is mainly cultivated in arid regions, but temperature and photoperiod are important physical parameters causing this tree to initiate flowering
Enzymatic antioxidant and non-enzymatic antioxidant variations provide an insight into the plausible roles of antioxidants and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the regulation of flower development in date palm varieties [8]
We reported on the variation of antioxidant status in relation to early, mid-late, and late-flowering varieties of date palm from the United Arab Emirates [8]
Summary
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is mainly cultivated in arid regions, but temperature and photoperiod are important physical parameters causing this tree to initiate flowering. Flowering in this tree is initiated after a temperature fall, and the type of cold period required varies between different varieties [1]. Enzymatic antioxidant and non-enzymatic antioxidant variations provide an insight into the plausible roles of antioxidants and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the regulation of flower development in date palm varieties [8]
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