Amino acids can be used to make plants more resistant to waterlogging

23 Nov 2023
2414

Floods are expected to be one of the factors negatively affecting the social economy in the eastern region of China, where the frequency and magnitude of the effects are expected to increase in the coming years. Summers in Liaoning Province are often characterised by excessive rainfall due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events.

However, the susceptibility of cherry rootstock to fluctuations in soil moisture is widely recognised; in fact, waterlogging can cause the most susceptible plants to die in a single day. Therefore, in order to ensure cherry production even in these areas, certain methods such as effective cultivation practices (e.g., above-ground cultivation and special drainage systems), reoxygenation and activation of plant response mechanisms are necessary.

Sijun Qin.

Examining the impact of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the root tolerance of P. sachalinensis, a prevalent rootstock used in the area, was the subject of a study conducted by researchers from Henan and Liaoning Province. An increase in ascorbic acid and proline levels in the roots was observed following treatment with GABA, which mitigated the damage caused by waterlogging.

According to the results of this experiment, rootstock tolerance to conditions of prolonged soil saturation can be improved through the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence mechanisms by the application of amino acids that can improve the plants' response to unfavourable conditions caused by water logging.

Source: Sijun Qin, Water physiology in root system of cherry rootstock and its regulation management, IX International Cherry Symposium. https://2021.cherries.org.cn/replayEn.html

Images: IX International Cherry Symposium

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

INIA bets on Chile Chico: over 200 hectares and 5 varieties to improve Chilean supply

Varieties

30 Jan 2025

The challenge for regional production is to distinguish itself on the market through quality, as late production is no longer a differentiating factor. To date, the region has 244 hectares dedicated to cherry production in the Chile Chico Valley.

Fruit quality and cracking susceptibility in three sweet cherry cultivars

Quality

22 Apr 2025

A Romanian study analyzes the correlation between fruit quality and cracking in three sweet cherry cultivars: Special, Tentant, and Severin. The results highlight significant differences in weight, pH, color, °Brix, and cracking index, with implications for varietal selection.

In evidenza

Key Traits for Successful Biological Invasions

Crop protection

15 Jul 2026

A study in Biological Reviews explains why Drosophila suzukii and other Drosophilidae become invasive, highlighting phenotypic plasticity, environmental stress tolerance, food resources, microbial symbiosis and rapid adaptation as key drivers of colonization in habitats.

A bumper cherry season highlights Kurdistan’s growing potential

Production

15 Jul 2026

In Haji Omeran, Kurdistan, the cherry harvest is growing thanks to favorable weather, mountain soils and modern techniques. Higher output, firm prices and new investment are strengthening local horticulture and opening fresh opportunities for regional growers today.

Tag Popolari