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

23 Nov 2023
2633

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

Ñuble cherries: the new INIA technical bulletin for quality and exports

Tech management

22 Jul 2025

A new INIA bulletin helps cherry producers in the Ñuble region to improve quality and preservation along the supply chain, all the way to exports to Asian markets. A concrete opportunity to address the growth and challenges of Chilean exports 2024-2025.

USA: Court reinstates Staccato cherry patent, victory for AAFC

Varieties

26 Mar 2025

The US Court reinstated the Staccato cherry patent, overturning the previous decision. AAFC will now be able to defend its rights against the unauthorised sale of the 'Glory' variety. A key victory for intellectual property protection in the global fruit industry.

In evidenza

How mineral fertiliser affects the quality of cherries

Tech management

25 Sep 2026

Sweet cherry nutrition and fruit quality: studies from Chile, USA, Spain and other countries show how nitrogen, potassium, calcium, boron, phosphorus and magnesium affect fruit size, firmness, soluble solids, color, cracking and postharvest storage performance.

A wood-boring beetle of Asian origin is threatening American cherry orchards

Crop protection

25 Sep 2026

The velvet longhorned beetle, Trichoferus campestris, is an invasive wood-boring beetle detected in Utah, Illinois, Minnesota and other US states. It can infest dry wood and many tree hosts, including apple, cherry and peach, while its long-term impact remains uncertain.

Tag Popolari