ISHS Acta Horticulturae 521: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 11: Application of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology and Breeding - Gene Expression and Molecular Breeding, Genome Analysis.
DETERMINING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CONTROLS OF LOW TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE IN WOODY PLANTS |
| Authors: | G.R. Dixon, M.P. Biggs, R.W.F. Cameron, J.A. Chudek |
| Keywords: | Rhododendron, acclimation, chlorophyll, climate change, cold, conductivity, dormancy, fluorescence, lipid, NMR, stress, woody perennial |
| Abstract:
The processes of acclimation and de-acclimattion have been studied in Rhododendron species using controlled and natural environments. Quantification of these processes was obtained using the techniques of cell electrolyte efflux, chlorophyll fluorescence and changes to the valency and architecture of lipid molecules. Preliminary information obtained by the technique of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is also included. Field studies identified the manner by which woody perennials such as Rhododendron slowly acquire acclimation to increasingly reduced temperatures and that this process may be rapidly reversed by a short period of rising temperature. Data show that during acclimation fatty acid components of the cell membranes gain unsaturated, long chain fatty acids. In studies using controlled environments the impact of short days and declining temperatures which encourage acclimation was quantified. These studies have general application as indicating the manner by which woody plants may react to the increasingly variable weather patterns which will accompany global climate change. There will be lessened opportunities for acclimation and hence increased vulnerability to cold stress resulting in chilling and freezing injury. Such damage may retard the rate at which woody plants are able to produce extension growth and flowers | |
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