Ecological and phytochemical attributes of endemic Ferula gummosa Boiss. at vegetative and generative stages

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study was accomplished to find out the ecological as well as some biochemical and physiological properties of Ferula gummosa Boiss. Methods Soil samples were analysed. Different plant parts collected during different stages were analysed biochemically (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and total protein) and physiologically (proline, sugars, phenolic components and photosynthetic pigments). Results Soil analysis showed that pH, EC and phosphatase activity were approximately 6.5–6.8, 200 μS/cm and 890 μmol/min, respectively. Among measured elements in soil, only P and Na had significantly higher concentrations at generative and vegetative stages, respectively. The biochemical and physiological analyses of F. gummosa Boiss. leaves and roots showed that the content of proline, sugar and phenolic components were significantly higher at generative stage than vegetative stage, while the content of photosynthetic pigments and activities of catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly lower. Our qualitative analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the total protein bands of generative stage were more intensive than vegetative stage. Conclusion The phytochemical results strongly supported the idea that the metabolic changes were developmental-dependent.