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Biochemical Basis of Altitude Adaptation and Antioxidant System Activity during Autumn Leaf Senescence in Beech Populations
| Content Provider | MDPI |
|---|---|
| Author | Kraj, Wojciech Zarek, Marcin |
| Copyright Year | 2021 |
| Description | High-altitude tree populations are exposed to severe natural environmental conditions. Among abiotic factors, variable temperatures, early frosts, and high radiation are the factors affecting tree growth at high altitudes. Fagus sylvatica L. exhibits a variety of physiological and genetic traits that allow it to adapt to different forest habitats. This study examines the differences in the biochemical properties of senescing beech leaves between populations originating from different altitudes using a common-garden experiment. Leaves were collected from five-year-old plants from the beginning of August to the end of October for two years. Based on the changes in senescence marker levels the genetic differences and significant correlations between populations’ altitude origin and their biochemical characteristics were identified. According to the free radical theory of leaf senescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence markers were highly correlated. In this study, populations from higher altitudes were characterized by earlier and greater increases in ROS content and oxidative stress, which resulted in higher antioxidative system activity. Increases in ROS in high-altitude populations play a controlling role to initiate earlier senescence processes that allow the trees to adapt to harsh climatic conditions. Earlier senescence allows beech trees to maintain a balance between nitrogen metabolism and photosynthetic activity. It allows for remobilization of nitrogen compounds more efficiently and protects the trees from nitrogen loss and prepares them for winter dormancy. |
| Starting Page | 529 |
| e-ISSN | 19994907 |
| DOI | 10.3390/f12050529 |
| Journal | Forests |
| Issue Number | 5 |
| Volume Number | 12 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | MDPI |
| Publisher Date | 2021-04-25 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Forests Plant Sciences Fagus Sylvatica Leaf Senescence Ros Altitude Adaptability Remobilization |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
