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Differential physiological and biochemical responses of Quercus infectoria and Q. libani to drought and charcoal disease
Author(s) -
Ghanbary Ehsan,
Tabari Kouchaksaraei Masoud,
Zarafshar Mehrdad,
Bader KarlFriedrich M.,
Mirabolfathy Mansoureh,
Ziaei Maryam
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/ppl.13027
Subject(s) - phenylalanine ammonia lyase , chitinase , apx , biology , antioxidant , rubisco , botany , charcoal , oxidative stress , photosynthesis , horticulture , chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme , peroxidase , catalase , organic chemistry
The vast oak‐dominated forests of the Zagros Mountains in southwestern Iran currently undergo large‐scale dieback driven by a combination of drought and increasing incidence of charcoal disease caused by the fungal pathogens Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Obolarina persica . Here, we explore the interactive effects between drought and charcoal disease agents on the physiology and biochemistry of Quercus infectoria and Quercus libani seedlings. The combination of pathogen attack and water limitation hampered plant development, especially in Q. libani seedlings, negatively affecting growth, biomass production, photosynthetic efficiency, and leaf water potential. An increase in markers of oxidative damage together with the upregulation of the antioxidant defense revealed that drought stress and pathogen infection led to pro‐oxidative conditions in both oak species, especially in Q. libani , where larger changes in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide occurred. The upregulation of the antioxidant system was more prominent in Q. infectoria than in Q. libani , resulting in enhanced enzyme activity and accumulation of non‐enzymatic antioxidants. Fungal infection stimulated the activity of chitinase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and β‐1,3‐glucanase in Q. infectoria leaves and this response became more pronounced under water shortage. Our study highlights that drought stress greatly intensifies the effects of the charcoal disease. Moreover, our findings imply superior stress resistance of Q. infectoria conferred by a highly efficient antioxidant system, strong osmotic adjustment (through proline), and increases in resistance enzymes and secondary metabolites (phenols and flavonoids). Future investigations should focus on adult trees in their natural habitat including interactions with soil factors and other pathogens like nematodes, bacteria and other fungi. Because the present research was conducted on oak seedlings, the findings can be considered by forest nursery managers.