Abstract
The influence of water deprivation on potted apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) was investigated. Biochemical responses including ascorbic acid, glutathione (GSH), tocopherols, chlorophylls, carotenoids, free amino acids, and soluble carbohydrates were measured in leaves of diploid 'Elstar' and triploid 'Jonagold Wilmuta' subjected to progressive drought. Leaf water potential was chosen to be the primary indicator of water stress in tested plants. Time courses of measured biochemical parameters showed that mild drought did not significantly affect the chosen stress indicators. Moderate drought increased the concentrations of ascorbic acid, total GSH, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol, indicating the adaptation to oxidative stress in apple trees. Moderate drought also increased concentration of soluble carbohydrates, mostly due to increased sorbitol concentration. Severe drought negatively affected vitality of apple trees, and caused a decrease in sorbitol concentration. Severe drought also caused decreases in ascorbic acid, total GSH, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and chlorophyll concentrations, which, together with the increase in oxidised GSH concentration, indicated severe damage due to oxidative stress. Severe drought increased free amino acid concentration, which was probably the result of increased proteolysis. Zeaxanthin concentration remained high even in leaves of apple trees subjected to severe drought stress. The results were similar for both tested apple cultivars.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.