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Rootstocks induce contrasting photosynthetic responses of orange plants to low night temperature without affecting the antioxidant metabolism

Abstract

Low temperatures negatively impact the metabolism of orange trees, and the extent of damage can be influenced by the rootstock. We evaluated the effects of low nocturnal temperatures on Valencia orange scions grafted on Rangpur lime or Swingle citrumelo rootstocks. We exposed six-month-old plants to night temperatures of 20ºC and 8ºC under controlled conditions. After decreasing the temperature to 8ºC, there were decreases in leaf CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, mesophyll conductance and CO2 concentration in the chloroplasts, in plant hydraulic conductivity and in the maximum electron transport rate driven ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration in plants grafted on both rootstocks. However, the effects of low night temperature were more severe in plants grafted on Rangpur rootstock, which also presented reduction in the maximum rate of RuBP carboxylation and in the maximum quantum efficiency of the PSII. In general, irreversible damage due to night chilling was found in the photosynthetic apparatus of plants grafted on Rangpur lime. Low night temperatures induced similar changes in the antioxidant metabolism, preventing oxidative damage in citrus leaves on both rootstocks. As photosynthesis is linked to plant growth, our findings indicate that the rootstock may improve the performance of citrus trees in environments with low night temperatures, with Swingle rootstock improving the photosynthetic acclimation in leaves of orange plants.

Citrus sinensis; chlorophyll fluorescence; gas exchange; chilling; antioxidant metabolism


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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    23 June 2015
  • Date of issue
    2013

History

  • Received
    12 Mar 2013
  • Accepted
    16 Apr 2013
Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia Vegetal Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, 28013-602 Campo dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil, Tel.: (55 22) 2739-7116 - Campo dos Goytacazes - RJ - Brazil
E-mail: bjpp.sbfv@gmail.com