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Comparison of photosynthesis and antioxidant performance of several Citrus and Fortunella species (Rutaceae) under natural chilling stress

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Abstract

Citrus plants originate from southeastern Asia, in a large area with various climates characterized by a broad range of temperatures. Some species have been diversified in temperate climates, others in subtropical climates. Temperature is assumed to be a key factor in citrus species adaptation and diversification of basic cellular functions. In a field experiment, the tolerance of the three fundamental Citrus species C. medica L., C. reticulata Blanco and C. maxima (Burm.) Merr., and Fortunella japonica (Thunb.) Swing. to photooxidative stress caused by seasonal climatic changes was evaluated on adult trees by measuring net photosynthesis (Pnet), stomatal conductance (Gs), maximum photosynthesis (Pmax) and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm). In addition, seasonal changes in oxidative status, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase) and antioxidant metabolites (ascorbate and glutathione) were monitored. Mandarin and pummelo appeared to be the most tolerant, showing the lowest down-regulation of photosynthetic parameters, and the lowest accumulation of oxidized compounds associated with efficiency of their antioxidant system. Kumquat showed intermediate behaviour, with a large diminution of photosynthetic parameters and marked accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, whereas the malondialdehyde content remained low, with a strong induction of glutathione synthesis. Finally, citron appeared to be the most sensitive genotype with a marked decrease in photosynthetic performance, the largest accumulation of oxidative parameters, insufficient induction of antioxidant enzymes and down-regulation of ascorbate and glutathione synthesis.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse (CTC) for the financial support of this study. We are grateful to Anne-Laure Fanciullino and Isabelle Poggi for their assistance for leaf harvesting. We particularly thank Isabelle Tur and Jérôme Barbaggio for technical assistance in the grinding of leaves.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UR 1103 Génétique et Ecophysiologie de la Qualité des Agrumes, INRA, 20230, San Giuliano, France

    Jérémie Santini, Olivier Pailly & François Luro

  2. Laboratoire Biochimie and Biologie Moléculaire du Végétal, CNRS, UMR 6134 SPE, 20250, Corte, France

    Jérémie Santini, Jean Giannettini & Liliane Berti

  3. INRA, UMR 547 PIAF, 63100, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Stéphane Herbette

  4. Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 547 PIAF, BP 10448, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Stéphane Herbette

  5. CIRAD, UPR 75, Avenue Agropolis, TA A-75/02, 34398, Montpellier cedex 5, France

    Patrick Ollitrault

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  1. Jérémie Santini
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  2. Jean Giannettini
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  3. Olivier Pailly
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  4. Stéphane Herbette
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Correspondence to Jean Giannettini.

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Communicated by W. Bilger.

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Santini, J., Giannettini, J., Pailly, O. et al. Comparison of photosynthesis and antioxidant performance of several Citrus and Fortunella species (Rutaceae) under natural chilling stress. Trees 27, 71–83 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0769-5

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