Chlorophyllase activity in wheat, Triticum aestivum L. leaves during drought and its dependence on the nitrogen ion form applied

Abstract

Wheat plants grown on vermiculite and treated with nutrient solutions containing either NO 3 − or NH 4 + form of nitrogen, were subjected to slow developing drought. During the drought, leaf water potential, chlorophyll content and chlorophyllase activity were monitored. The results indicate that with the decreasing water potential there occur changes both in chlorophyll content and chlorophyllase activity. These changes are dependent on the type of nitrogen ion applied. Comparing chlorophyll content changes with chlorophyllase activity changes in both N treatments we conclude that chlorophyllase may not have only hydrolytic function under drought conditions.