9 research outputs found
Influence of abiotic stress during soybean germination followed by recovery on the phenolic compounds of radicles and their antioxidant capacity
Abiotic stress factors are among the major causes of lower crop yields. It is known, that in response to cold and/or osmotic
stress, crops activate various defense mechanisms, including morphological, physiological and metabolic adaptations. Secondary
metabolism, especially phenolic compounds, seem to be an important factor of stress-induced metabolic re-engineering as
their levels are alternated by abiotic stress in plants. Despite the fact, that the nature and function of phenolic compounds was
already studied in various plant species, it is important to define tissue-specific changes induced by two most potent abiotic
stressors – low temperature and decreased water potential. Moreover, in fields, the appearance of single stress is rather rare.
Usually two or more factors are acting in parallel, which may potentially result in different effects. Therefore, the aim of this
study was to analyze selected elements of secondary metabolism in roots of germinating soybean seeds under cold stress,
osmotic stress and both stresses combined. In addition the effects of constant and persistent stress were compared to those
induced by sudden and brief stress appearance, as well as after the post-stress recovery process. In the presented study standard
methods for identification and quantification of phenolic acids and isoflavones were used and the antioxidant capacity of the
radicle extracts was measured. The phenolic metabolism in plants was greatly intensified in response to cold and osmotic
stress and remained at high level during the post-stress recovery. The amount and composition of both phenolic acids and
identified isoflavones also changed in stress- and duration-dependent manner. This proves an important role of phenolic
compounds in abiotic stress response of germinating soybean seeds and opens up new perspectives for further investigations