Abstract
In this study, the biomass, compatible solutes, PSII functioning and phenolic profiles of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. leaves were investigated at different time intervals after drought stress (20, 40 and 80 % of the field capacity). While the impaired ability of leaves for synthesis of assimilates caused growth inhibition in A. vera under severe drought stress, we observed that the content of proline, soluble sugars, total phenolic and flavonoids tended to increase in plants treated with mild drought stress. Under mild drought stress, the increased leaf thickness correlated with the higher productivity in terms of leaf biomass and gel production. Also, mild drought stress enhanced photochemical activity in Aloe leaves, and changed the entire quantity of secondary metabolite of vanillic acid produced, which may be considered to obtain better growth and considerable secondary metabolite of the medicinal Aloe plants treated with mild drought stress.
Highlights
Environmental stresses, such as drought, low or high temperature and excessive salinity have negative influence on the plant, causing changes in its normal growth, development and metabolism (Bohenert et al, 1995; Kranner et al, 2010)
Aloe vera is a promising crop for arid zones, with high yield of leaf biomass and gel production under mild water stress conditions (Silva et al, 2010), but it has been demonstrated that severe drought stress decreases leaf yield and growth of Aloe vera (Silva et al, 2014; Hazrati et al, 2017)
In plants treated with drought for 180 days, leaf thickness tended to increase under mild drought stress, while leaf thickness and relative water content (RWC) were reduced under severe drought stress
Summary
Environmental stresses, such as drought, low or high temperature and excessive salinity have negative influence on the plant, causing changes in its normal growth, development and metabolism (Bohenert et al, 1995; Kranner et al, 2010). Several investigators have reported that the levels of phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids were influenced by drought stress in tobacco and wheat leaves (Ma et al, 2014).These compounds can scavenge ROS (Quan et al, 2016) and prevent lipid peroxidation, protein denaturation and DNA damage (Mittler, 2002; Król et al, 2014). Other studies have indicated that stress increases phenolic compounds accumulation (Weidner et al, 2009; Król et al, 2014). The exact mechanism of phenolic compounds accumulation in response to long and continuous stressor remains unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
