Effect of tree age on chemical compounds of ancient Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) needles in Northwest Turkey

Abstract

Plant primary and secondary metabolites are chemical compounds synthesized for essential functions, such as growth and development (primary metabolites), and specific functions, such as pollinator attraction or defense against herbivory (secondary metabolites). Their concentrations in plants are genetically determined, but are also affected by environmental factors. Among these factors, plant age has been reported to influence plant chemical compounds under similar environmental conditions. We aimed to investigate the chemical compounds of ancient Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) needles from trees of different ages. Needles of over 500-, 200-, 100-, 50-, and 25-year-old black pine trees growing under similar environmental conditions were sampled and analyzed for photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids), proline, total soluble protein, glucose, sucrose, total soluble sugar, peroxidation level (MDA-malondialdehyde), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and antioxidants such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Significant differences for chemical composition associated with age were found. In general, results showed that over 500-year-old Anatolian black pine had the highest proline, total soluble protein, H2O2, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrates, APX, CAT and SOD concentrations, whereas they had the lowest chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, total carotenoid and glucose concentrations. However, 200-year-old trees had the highest glucose, but the lowest chlorophyll b, proline, H2O2 and total soluble carbohydrates. 50-and 25-year-old trees together showed the highest chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, total carotenoid and MDA, but lowest total soluble protein and sucrose. In conclusion, these results provide valuable insight into the chemical composition of Anatolian black pine needles in relation to their age, and can be used for complementing studies on tree growth-defence relationships.

Assessment of Parectopa robiniella Clemens (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) Effect on Biochemical Parameters of Robinia pseudoacacia Under Conditions of an Industrial City in Steppe Ukraine

“…Mean protein content in the total sample was significantly higher in the older age group (III) in both the reference (by 26.5 and 45.5%, respectively, for groups I and II) and experimental samples (by an average of 45.8%) compared to young trees. The higher content of soluble proteins in old trees was also noted in other works (Turfan et al, 2018). The analysis determined that protein amount decreased after an insect attack on the leaves of trees of all age groups in the location where motor vehicle emissions were the main pollutants (L3), but this parameter increased in the location of pipe rolling plant emissions (L5).…”

“…Changes in environmental factors, in particular, the attack of herbivorous insects, affect primary metabolism, such as the rate of photosynthesis, nitrogen uptake, protein content, antioxidant activity, and tree lifespan (Bond et al, 2007;Meinzer et al, 2011;Turfan et al, 2018;Shupranova et al, 2019;Holoborodko et al, 2022). The leaves are the main organ to produce organic matter, and they are the main source of carbohydrates for the plant (Liu et al, 2017).…”

An Evaluation of Monitoring Surveys of the Quarantine Bacterium Xylella Fastidiosa Performed in Containment and Buffer Areas of Apulia, Southern Italy

“…A higher incidence of OQDS for older trees has also been observed in the Gallipoli area, where the decline was first observed. Tree age appears to be related to the differential production of primary and secondary compounds linked to plant metabolism, including the defense system, 12 and differential mutation loads in meristematic tissues. 13 However, specific studies concerning the X. fastidiosa – Olea europea pathosystem are currently lacking.…”

Comparative Analyses of Phyllosphere Bacterial Communities and Metabolomes in Newly Developed Needles of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. at Four Stages of Stand Growth

“…This age-related variation has been documented in Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp pallasiana) and Norway spruce [Picea abiess (L.) Karst.] (Köstner et al, 2002;Turfan et al, 2018). The weakening of the strong relationship between stand age and many metabolites at the overmature stage suggested that metabolic activities changed after the tree attained maturity, although nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus continue to accumulate in newly developed needles (Zhou et al, 2016b).…”