Changes of non-structural carbohydrates of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings in the process of drought-induced mortality

Abstract

To understand the distribution of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and adaptive mechanism in the process of drought-induced mortality, two-year-old Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings were grown under continuous natural drought condition. Needle water potential and the contents of soluble sugar, starch and total NSC in different organs (current-year-old needles, one-year-old needles, stems, coarse roots and fine roots) of the seedlings were measured when soil water content decreased to 60%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 15% of the soil field water capacity (SFC). The results showed that when the soil water content decreased from 40% SFC to 15% SFC, there was no significant change in needle water potential at predawn and midday. When soil water content decreased from 60% SFC to 30% SFC, the contents of soluble sugar, starch, total NSC and the ratio of soluble sugar and starch first decreased and then increased in all organs. When soil water content dropped from 30% SFC to 20% SFC, the soluble sugar, starch and total NSC contents decreased in the current-year-old needles, one-year-old needles, stems and fine roots. The soluble sugar content increased, but the starch and total NSC contents decreased in the coarse roots. When soil water content decreased from 20% SFC to 15% SFC, the contents of soluble sugar, starch and total NSC decreased in the current-year-old needles, one-year-old needles and stems, and the soluble sugar and total NSC contents decreased, but the starch content increased in the coarse roots, the soluble sugar content decreased, but the starch and total NSC contents increased in fine roots. The results indicated that NSC content in different organs of P. sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings varied in their adaptation to different degrees of drought. The contents of soluble sugar and total NSC in seedlings decreased under less than 30% of the soil field water capacity, with the starch being accumulated in the coarse roots and fine roots. The seedlings might be died due to carbon depletion.