Evaluation of drought stress level in Sargent’s cherry (Prunus sargentii Rehder) using photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and proline content analysis
Eon Ju Jin,
Jun-Hyuk Yoon,
Hyeok Lee
et al.
Abstract:Sargent’s cherry trees (Prunus sargentiiRehder) are widely planted as an ornamental, climate change-sensing species. This study investigated changes in the soil moisture content, fresh weight, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence properties, and the chlorophyll and proline content of four-year-old P. sargentii seedlings after 30 days of drought stress. In the trees subjected to drought stress treatment, soil moisture content decreased, and the fresh weight of the aboveground part of the plant decreased.… Show more
“…Therefore, the recovery of Pn can be attributed to the regulation of Gs by 5-NGS, which maintains the supply of CO 2 and replenishes the raw material for photosynthesis. The inhibition of photosynthetic capacity by drought stress is also manifested in damage to the photosystems and degradation of photosynthetic pigments ( Jin et al, 2023 ). Our results showed that SPAD levels were reduced under the osmotic stress treatments compared to those in the control, and F v /F m decreased, resulting in the inhibition of PSII ( Figs.…”
Background
Drought is a critical limiting factor affecting the growth and development of spring maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings in northeastern China. Sodium 5-nitroguaiacol (5-NGS) has been found to enhance plant cell metabolism and promote seedling growth, which may increase drought tolerance.
Methods
In the present study, we investigated the response of maize seedlings to foliar application of a 5-NGS solution under osmotic stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Four treatment groups were established: foliar application of distilled water (CK), foliar application of 5-NGS (NS), osmotic stress + foliar application of distilled water (D), and osmotic stress + foliar application of 5-NGS (DN). Plant characteristics including growth and photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities under the four treatments were evaluated.
Results
The results showed that under osmotic stress, the growth of maize seedlings was inhibited, and both the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities were weakened. Additionally, there were significant increases in the proline and soluble sugar contents and a decrease in seedling relative water content (RWC). However, applying 5-NGS alleviated the impact of osmotic stress on maize seedling growth parameters, particularly the belowground biomass, with a dry mass change of less than 5% and increased relative water content (RWC). Moreover, treatment with 5-NGS mitigated the inhibition of photosynthesis caused by osmotic stress by restoring the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) through an increase in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic electron transport, and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci). Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the aboveground parts recovered, resulting in an approximately 25% decrease in both malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2. Remarkably, the activity of enzymes in the underground parts exhibited more significant changes, with the contents of MDA and H2O2 decreasing by more than 50%. Finally, 5-NGS stimulated the dual roles of soluble sugars as osmoprotectants and energy sources for metabolism under osmotic stress, and the proline content increased by more than 30%. We found that 5-NGS played a role in the accumulation of photosynthates and the effective distribution of resources in maize seedlings.
Conclusions
Based on these results, we determined that foliar application of 5-NGS may improve osmotic stress tolerance in maize seedlings. This study serves as a valuable reference for increasing maize yield under drought conditions.
“…Therefore, the recovery of Pn can be attributed to the regulation of Gs by 5-NGS, which maintains the supply of CO 2 and replenishes the raw material for photosynthesis. The inhibition of photosynthetic capacity by drought stress is also manifested in damage to the photosystems and degradation of photosynthetic pigments ( Jin et al, 2023 ). Our results showed that SPAD levels were reduced under the osmotic stress treatments compared to those in the control, and F v /F m decreased, resulting in the inhibition of PSII ( Figs.…”
Background
Drought is a critical limiting factor affecting the growth and development of spring maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings in northeastern China. Sodium 5-nitroguaiacol (5-NGS) has been found to enhance plant cell metabolism and promote seedling growth, which may increase drought tolerance.
Methods
In the present study, we investigated the response of maize seedlings to foliar application of a 5-NGS solution under osmotic stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Four treatment groups were established: foliar application of distilled water (CK), foliar application of 5-NGS (NS), osmotic stress + foliar application of distilled water (D), and osmotic stress + foliar application of 5-NGS (DN). Plant characteristics including growth and photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities under the four treatments were evaluated.
Results
The results showed that under osmotic stress, the growth of maize seedlings was inhibited, and both the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities were weakened. Additionally, there were significant increases in the proline and soluble sugar contents and a decrease in seedling relative water content (RWC). However, applying 5-NGS alleviated the impact of osmotic stress on maize seedling growth parameters, particularly the belowground biomass, with a dry mass change of less than 5% and increased relative water content (RWC). Moreover, treatment with 5-NGS mitigated the inhibition of photosynthesis caused by osmotic stress by restoring the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) through an increase in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic electron transport, and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci). Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the aboveground parts recovered, resulting in an approximately 25% decrease in both malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2. Remarkably, the activity of enzymes in the underground parts exhibited more significant changes, with the contents of MDA and H2O2 decreasing by more than 50%. Finally, 5-NGS stimulated the dual roles of soluble sugars as osmoprotectants and energy sources for metabolism under osmotic stress, and the proline content increased by more than 30%. We found that 5-NGS played a role in the accumulation of photosynthates and the effective distribution of resources in maize seedlings.
Conclusions
Based on these results, we determined that foliar application of 5-NGS may improve osmotic stress tolerance in maize seedlings. This study serves as a valuable reference for increasing maize yield under drought conditions.
Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a deciduous shrub with perennial rootstock found in China. The objectives of this study were to explore the drought tolerance of blue honeysuckle, determine the effect of drought stress on two photosystems, and examine the mechanism of acquired drought tolerance. In this study, blue honeysuckle under four levels of simulated field capacity (100%, 85%, 75%, and 65% RH) was grown in split-root pots for drought stress treatment, for measuring the changes in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic characteristics, and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The chlorophyll content of each increased under mild stress and decreased under moderate and severe stress. The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, and stomatal conductance of blue honeysuckle decreased with the increase in water stress. However, the water utilization rate and stomatal limit system increased under mild and moderate stress and decreased under severe stress. The maximum fluorescence (Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency, and quantum efficiency of photosystem II decreased with the decrease in soil water content, and the initial fluorescence increased significantly (p < 0.01). With the decrease in soil water content, the energy allocation ratio parameters decreased under severe drought stress. The main activity of the unit reaction center parameters first increased and then decreased. ABS/CSm, TRo/CSm, ETo/CSm, and REo/CSm gradually declined. After a comprehensive analysis, the highest scores were obtained under adequate irrigation (CK). Overall, we concluded that the water irrigation system of blue honeysuckle should be considered adequate.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.