Title: Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Leaves and Roots of Alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) to Water Stress
Abstract: The changes of osmotic adjustment and anti-oxidative enzyme activities in seedling leaves and roots of two cultivars of alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.cv.Longdong and M.sativa L.cv.Algonquin) was studied under water stress mimicked by PEG-6000 solution(ψs=-0.2 MPa,stress period 48 h,then rehydration 48 h).The results show that the osmotic adjustment capability and anti-oxidative enzymes activity were stronger in leaves than those in roots.Water potential,osmotic potential,and saturated osmotic potential in roots and leaves were significantly decreased along with the progress of water stress.However,the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes(SOD,POD,and CAT) in both leaves and roots significantly increased under water stress and maintained high activity during period of water stress,the membrane permeability and MDA increased obviously since middle period of water stress.Simultaneously,the contents of free proline,soluble sugar,K+,and soluble protein in leaves accumulated gradually with the progress of water stress.Soluble sugar content in roots was increased gradually under water stress and the contents of K+ and soluble protein were declined gradually,while no significant changes for free proline content.After rehydration,physiological metabolism in leaves did not recover to the control level although the repair and compensation mechanism was induced.In addition,there were differences in anti-oxidative enzyme activities and enduring capability to water stress between two tested alfalfa cultivars.
Publication Year: 2007
Publication Date: 2007-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 3
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