Estimation of the adaptive capacity of Schisandra chinensis to drought

Abstract

Рurpose. The determination of adaptive ability of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill plants to drought under the conditions of introduction in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on the basis of study of morpho-anatomical and biochemical features of the leaves. Methods. The anatomical structure of S. chinensis leaves was studied by light microscopy using fresh and dried raw materials. The water retention capacity was determined by laboratory method according to the rate of water loss and the degree of damage to isolated leaves. The dynamics of the content of pigments in S. chinensis leaves was determined by the spectrophotometric method during the vegetation period. Results. Certain morpho-anatomical signs of S. chinensis leaves contributing to plant resistance to conditions with high air temperature and water deficiency were identified – the presence of a wax layer on the surface of the epidermis and cuticle, calcium oxalate crystals and secretory cells. According to the scale of the parameters of water regime of leaves, the studied plants are characterized by high level of adaptation to drought too. It was revealed that the pigment complex of leaves is sensitive to changes in the environmental factors. The content of pigments in the plant leaves varies with changes in hydrothermal conditions of growth. The dynamics of the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids is related to the physiological state of plants and to a certain degree characterizes their adaptive potential. Conclusions. The results of morpho-structural studies of S. chinensis leaves and their water-physical properties indicate a high level of adaptability of plants to environmental stressors such as insufficient water supply and high temperature. S. chinensis plants can be recommended for widespread introduction into garden cenosis for obtaining valuable fruit and medicinal raw materials.