Effects of water stress and re watering on ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase activity, chlorophyll and protein contents in two cultivars of tomato

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of water deficit and rewatering on ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase activity, chlorophyll and protein content were evaluated in plants of two cultivars of tomato. During the water deficit period, values of water potential, osmotic potential and relative water content decreased along with associated decreases in RuBPcase activity, protein content and chlorophyll content, being less marked for chlorophyll content. There was a significant correlation of RuBPcase activity and protein content with components of leaf water status from plants under water stress. The associated decrease of RuBPcase, chlorophyll and protein contents with decreased osmotic potential during the development of water deficit was evident. At the time the plants reached a water potential of –1.40 to –1.56 MPa (RI: first level of recovery after water stress), one group of plants was rewatered. The rest were kept under stress until the water potential reached values of –2.30 to –2.51 MPa (RII: second level of reco...