Senescence o cut leaves of Zantedeschia aethiopica and Z. elliottiana. Part II. Free amino acids accumulation in relation to soluble protein content

Julita Rabiza-Świder

Warsaw Agricultural University

Ewa Skutnik

Warsaw Agricultural University

Mariusz Wachowicz

Warsaw Agricultural University

Aleksandra Łukaszewska

Warsaw Agricultural University


Abstract

Proteolysis and free amino acid accumulation occur during leaf senescence. As senescence is under control of plant hormones leaves of Zantedeschia aethiopica Spr. and Zantedeschia elliottiana Engl., two species grown for the florists’ green, were pulse treated 24 hours with solutions of benzyladenine or gibberellic acid (0.1 mmol dm-3 and 0.25 mmol dm-3, respectively) in order to delay senescence and to prolong their vase life. GA3 but not BA retarded proteolysis in both species. A standard preservative solution used to prolong the longevity of cut (8-HQC + 2% S; 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate + 2% sucrose)
accelerated proteolysis in the Z. aethiopica leaves but had no effect on leaves of Z. elliottiana. Soluble protein losses were accompanied by elevated levels of free amino acids, however, range of these increases did not correspond to decreases in protein contents. A massive accumulation of free amino acids occurred in the sugar-fed leaves of both species. Growth regulators somewhat limited free amino acid accumulation in leaves held in the preservative, BA being more effective in Z. elliottiana while GA3 in Z. aethiopica.

Keywords:

Benzyladenine, gibberellic acid, free amino acids, proteolysis, cut leaves, senescence, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Zantedeschia elliottiana

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Published
2004-12-30



Julita Rabiza-Świder 
Warsaw Agricultural University
Ewa Skutnik 
Warsaw Agricultural University
Mariusz Wachowicz 
Warsaw Agricultural University
Aleksandra Łukaszewska 
Warsaw Agricultural University



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