Different response on drought tolerance and post-drought recovery between the small-leafed and the large-leafed white clover (Trifolium repens L.) associated with antioxidative enzyme protection and lignin metabolism

Abstract

The objective of this present investigation was to study the different response on drought tolerance and post-drought recovery for two different genotypes of white clover (a drought-tolerant small-leafed white clover and a drought-sensitive large-leafed white clover) associating with antioxidative enzyme and lignin metabolism. Two materials were exposed to 12 days of drought stress and 6 days of rewatering in a greenhouse. Significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase and root activity as well as lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde levels of the small-leafed in leaves and roots were observed as compared to the large-leafed under drought stress and rewatering. Lignification-related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) activities of two materials in leaves gradually increased from 0 to 9 days of drought stress; then declined at 12 days of drought stress and after rewatering. After 12 days of drought stress, lignin content of two materials in roots was significantly higher relative to the well-watered. Lignin content of leaves in the small-leafed also increased significantly after 6 days of rewatering, but not in the large-leafed. The small-leafed exhibited more sensitive lignin metabolism and faster lignification in leaves and roots than the large-leafed regarding the response of drought stress. These results indicated that antioxidant efficiency and lignin metabolism played important roles in response to drought stress and rewatering for different white clovers. Comparatively higher reactive oxygen species scavenging system and more sensitive lignin metabolism could be associated with better drought tolerance and post-drought recovery in white clover.