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

23 Nov 2023
1874

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

From Argentina an intelligent cherry to protect the quality of the harvest

Post-harvest​

25 Oct 2024

“To reduce as much as possible the damage sustained by the cherry during packaging and final transport we developed an electronic cherry with sensors that go through the processes alongside the rest and report the movements and impacts the fruit receives” said Andrés Moltoni.

Canadian dwarf cherries: resilient, sweet, and built for industry

Breeding

21 Aug 2025

Canadian dwarf cherries unite cold resistance, compact growth, and naturally dark pulp ideal for food processing. Sweet and high-sugar fruits, easy to harvest and propagate, offer strong potential for pie fillings, juices, wines, dried cherries, and innovative products.

In evidenza

Metabolomics as an analytical approach to evaluate different sweet cherry cultivars

Quality

06 Feb 2026

A study in China's Shanxi province compares 4 sweet cherry cultivars using untargeted metabolomics, revealing key differences in nutritional profile, physical traits and consumer preference. Focus on Huangmi, Tieton, Pioneer and Sunburst varieties.

Innovative technologies to extend the shelf life of sweet cherries

Post-harvest​

06 Feb 2026

Advanced harvesting, cooling and packaging methods allow Chilean cherries to maintain quality and taste for up to 35 days. Learn how refrigeration and modified atmosphere packaging help preserve freshness, color, and fruit integrity for international export.

Tag Popolari