Role of exogenous abscisic acid in adapting of ‘Sultana’ grapevine to low-temperature stress

Abstract

Abscisic acid (ABA) has a key role in some plant species under low-temperature stress (LTS). In this study the effects of ABA at four concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 lL) on electrolyte leakage (EL), visual damage index, soluble carbohydrate, proline, total phenolic compound and relative water content (RWC) of leaves of 'Sultana' grapevines were studied under LTS (0, 4 and -4°C). Moreover, to further elucidate the efficiency of foliar ABA on freezing tolerance, some relevant morphophysiological changes were evaluated at three sampling dates: September, October and November. The increase in cane and leaf EL and the visible symptoms of leaf damage caused by LTS were minimized by the application of ABA. Moreover, in ABA-treated vines, specifically at 200 lM, the contents of soluble carbohydrate, proline and total phenolic increased and the RWC decreased. These alterations in ABA-induced metabolism alleviated the deleterious effects of LTS on 'Sultana' grapevine. Freezing tolerance of ABA-treated vines improved within each sampling date in autumn. Foliar application of ABA at 200 lM decreased LT50 in September, October and November by -2.6, -3.6 and -3.9°C, respectively, as compared to those of control vines. This study also demonstrated that ABA was effective in shoot growth inhibition, leaf abscission and periderm development, indicating that ABA treatments advanced cold acclimation in grapevines. Increased fall freezing tolerance induced by foliar ABA application may be beneficial in nurseries, new established vineyards and for late-bearing cultivars in regions with fall frost events.

Improved cold tolerance in Elymus nutans by exogenous application of melatonin may involve ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways

“…Ample evidence supports the regulatory role of ABA in conferring tolerance to environmental stresses3339. Here, we found that exogenous pre-treatment with ABA efficiently ameliorated cold-induced oxidative damage, characterized by decreased electrolyte leakage, reduced MDA content, and decreased ROS accumulation (Fig.…”

“…A previous study showed that exogenous ABA application before the onset of cold stress improved cold resistance of plants33. ABA can improve the antioxidant defense system, thus protecting plant cells from damage caused by over-accumulated ROS34.…”

Interactive effects of abscisic acid and nitric oxide on chilling resistance and active oxygen metabolism in peach fruit during cold storage

“…Both NO and ABA are involved in many botanic physiological and stress‐resistance processes . Low temperature could induce endogenous NO and ABA production to relieve chilling injury symptoms of fruit during storage . Firmness is an important quality factor in many fruits, and the decrease in firmness during storage is primarily due to the destruction of cell wall structure and the depolymerization of pectin, which are catalyzed by the action of polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase .…”

“…Many recent studies have indicated that cold can induce the generation of endogenous NO or ABA, which in turn contribute to the alleviation of chilling injury symptoms via regulating antioxidative metabolism in fruit . These studies have shown that changes in endogenous NO or ABA have certain degrees of specificity under cold stress.…”

“…31,32 Low temperature could induce endogenous NO and ABA production to relieve chilling injury symptoms of fruit during storage. 9,33 Firmness is an important quality factor in many fruits, and the decrease in firmness during storage is primarily due to the destruction of cell wall structure and the depolymerization of pectin, which are catalyzed by the action of polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase. 34 In our current study, it is worth pointing out that exogenous NO or ABA treatment was effective in reducing CI and delaying peach fruit softening.…”