Muzeul Olteniei Craiova. Oltenia. Studii úi comunicări. ùtiinĠele Naturii. Tom. 29, No. 2/2013
ISSN 1454-6914
PHYSIOLOGICAL MODIFICATIONS PRODUCED BY Stigmina carpophila
(LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS IN Armeniaca vulgaris LAM. CULTIVATED IN THE CLIMATIC
CONDITIONS OF OLTENIA REGION
NICOLAE Ion, BUùE-DRAGOMIR LuminiĠa
Abstract. Research regarding the physiological modifications produced by Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS were carried out
on Armeniaca vulgaris LAM., NJA 19 variety, cultivated in the region of Oltenia (Banu Mărăcine, Dolj). As a result of the research
carried out on the leaves attacked by the pathogen it was noticed that the leaves presented lower values of the intensity of
photosynthesis and transpiration, in comparison to healthy leaves, due to the reduction of the assimilation surface of the leaf by the
appearance of pink-purple spots bounded by a reddish-brown border, necrosis of the tissue corresponding to spots, this causing their
gradual drying. The linear regressions performed between the physiological processes intensity and the photosynthetic active
radiation, the leaf temperature and the stomatal conductance show a positive correlation between these. In the attacked leaves there
were recorded lower values of chlorophyll content correlated with the photosynthesis intensity and a lower water content, which
affects the hydric and metabolic imbalances with consequences on the quality and quantity of fruit.
Keywords: apricot tree, attacked leaves, healthy leaves, pathogen, physiological processes.
Rezumat. Modificări fiziologice produse de Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS la Armeniaca vulgaris LAM.
cultivat în condiĠii climatice din Oltenia. Cercetările privind modificările fiziologice produse de Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.)
M.B. ELLIS au fost efectuate la Armeniaca vulgaris LAM., soiul NJA 19, cultivat în regiunea Olteniei (Banu Mărăcine, Dolj). În urma
cercetărilor efectuate la frunzele atacate de patogen s-a constatat ca acestea prezintă valori mai scăzute ale intensităĠii fotosintezei úi
transpiraĠiei, în comparaĠie cu frunzele sănătoase, datorită reducerii suprafeĠei de asimilaĠie a frunzei prin apariĠia petelor rozviolacei, delimitate de un chenar brun-roúietic, necrozarea Ġesuturilor corespunzătoare zonei atacate, acestea determinând uscarea
treptată a frunzelor. Regresii liniare efectuate între intensitatea proceselor fiziologice úi radiaĠia fotosintetic activă, temperatura
frunzei úi conductanĠa stomatală, evidenĠiază corelaĠii pozitive între acestea. În frunzele atacate s-a înregistrat un conĠinut mai scăzut
în clorofilă corelat cu intensitatea fotosintezei úi un conĠinut mai scăzut în apă determinând dezechilibre hidrice úi metabolice cu
consecinĠe asupra calităĠii úi cantităĠii fructelor.
Cuvinte cheie: cais, frunze atacate, frunze sănătoase, patogen, procese fiziologice.
INTRODUCTION
Apricot (Armeniaca vulgaris LAM.) is originally native to Manchuria China but has spread across the world
over the past few centuries (RUTHNER et al., 2006).
Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS is frequent in all species of fruit trees with seed enclosed in a hard,
stony shell, causing large losses to the apricot. The attack is on the leaves, young twigs and fruit (MITREA, 2006).
The net photosynthetic activity is subjected to seasonal changes and to diurnal changes, which are mainly
influenced by the stage of shoot development, the leaf ageing, the accumulation of hormones and of carbohydrates in
the leaves, as well as by the fluctuations of light, the leaf temperature, the air temperature and humidity (LAKSO,1985).
Photosynthetic active radiation intensity is a limiting factor in the process of photosynthesis. Reception of
photosynthetic active radiation by tree leaves and bushes is dependent on height, distance of planting, position of the in
the crown and crown shape (BURZO et al., 1999).
The physiological research regarding photosynthesis intensity in Armeniaca vulgaris LAM. shows variations
between the values of 5.7 and 9.8 ȝmol CO2 / m2 / s (GUCCI et al., 1990).
The intensity of transpiration process proportionally increases with that of photosynthesis, both processes
being dependent on solar radiation intensity (BIGNAMI & NATALI, 1992).
The water content may undergo different modifications, but in most cases, the water content is lower in
diseased plants, actually met in the case of fading when plants suffer from hydric imbalances and cells become less
turgid (NICOLAE, 2011).
The increase of the photosynthetic active radiations, leaf temperature and stomatal conductance is positively
correlated with the increase of the photosynthesis and of the transpiration, but shows variations in the attacked leaves as
a result of several structural modifications produced by the pathogen (NICOLAE & CAMEN, 2011).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Research regarding the physiological modifications produced by Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS were
carried out on Armeniaca vulgaris LAM. - NJA 19 variety cultivated in the climatic conditions from the region of
Oltenia (Banu Mărăcine, Dolj).
84
NICOLAE Ion
BUùE-DRAGOMIR LuminiĠa
Armeniaca vulgaris LAM. var. vulgaris is a small tree, the leaves are ovate, acuminate with a rounded base and
serrated margin. The flowers have white to pink petals and the fruit are large and globular or flattened; they have a
yellow-orange colour.
The apricot tree - NJA 19 variety is native from the USA. The crown is large, globular, with high production
potential. The fruit is medium to high size (60-80 g), ovoid, with early ripening, yellow-orange in colour with little redcarmine on the sunny side. The pulp of the fruit is yellow-orange colour, flavoured. The maturation period occurs in the
second decade of June.
The intensity of the physiological processes and photosynthetic active radiations, leaf temperature and stomatal
conductance was established with ultra-compact photosynthesis measurement system (Lci). The obtained results were
graphically represented and statistically interpreted. The water contents and dry substance were determined by the help
of the drying stove by gravimetric method. The chlorophyll content was estimates by Minolta SPAD 502
chlorophyllmeter.
The estimate of the attack was made with the help of the calculation formulae elaborated by SĂVESCU &
RAFAILĂ, 1978.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The attack produced by the Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS in the leaves manifests with the emergence
of small pink-purple spots, bounded by a reddish-brown border. During this time, the tissue corresponding to the spots
becomes necrotic and falls, so that the leaves appear riddled. The spots can be isolated or are joined together and in this
case the perforations are larger, irregular (Figs. 1; 2).
The attack on the fruit is manifested on the part of the fruit, with the emergence of small spots, brown-reddish,
with slightly protruding edge.
Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS presents the mycelium developing within the intercellular spaces of the
tissues. Conidiophores are simple, septal, hyaline or yellow-brown, and at the end, they form a single conidia, ovalcylindrical, hyaline and nonseptal at first, then yellow-brown, with transverse walls (Fig. 3).
Filaments of germination of the conidia penetrate the leaf cuticle, mechanically or by stomata. High humidity
presents an important role in the development of fungus and rainwater spreads conidia. Fungus winters in the form of
mycelium and conidia, in the attacked branches.
Figure 1. The Armeniaca vulgaris
(NJA 19 variety) attacked by Stigmina
carpophila. (original).
Figure 2. Detail of the leaf in Armeniaca
vulgaris (NJA 19 variety) attacked by
Stigmina carpophila. (original).
Figure 3. Stigmina carpophila - oval cylindrical conidia. (original).
The estimation of the attack (the frequency, intensity and degree of attack) produced by the Stigmina
carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS in Armeniaca vulgaris LAM. (NJA 19 variety) is presented in Fig. 4.
Research regarding the physiological modifications produced by the pathogen has been made according to the
climatic conditions and the degree of the attack, on May 25th 2011.
85
Muzeul Olteniei Craiova. Oltenia. Studii úi comunicări. ùtiinĠele Naturii. Tom. 29, No. 2/2013
ISSN 1454-6914
The estimate of the attack produced by Stigmina carpophila (Lév.) M.B. Ellis
40
38
35
30
25
20
15
10
7.35
5
2.79
0
The frequency of the attack (%)
The intensity of the attack (%)
The degree of the attack (%)
Figure 4. The estimate of the attack produced by Stigmina carpophila in the Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
The photosynthesis during the day increases from early morning due to the increase of light intensity,
temperature and the stomata opening level, it maintains itself constant until noon, and then gradually decreases due to
the reduction of light intensity and temperature, as well as to the closing of the stomata. The photosynthesis intensity in
the attacked leaves presents lower values, in comparison to healthy leaves, as a result of the reduction of the
assimilation surface by the appearance of pink-purple spots bounded by a reddish-brown border, necrosis of the tissue
corresponding spots and the gradual drying of the attacked leaves (Fig. 5).
The photosynthesis
10
intensity
(ȝmol CO2/
9
m2 /s)
9.78
9.36
8.12
8.35
8.85
8
7
6
8.7
7.68
7.58
4.8
5
4.53
4
3
2
8
10
12
Healthy leaves
14
16
The hours
Attacked leaves
Figure 5. The photosynthesis intensity during the day in the leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
The transpiration during the day increases starting in the morning due to the opening of stomata, increase of
light intensity and temperature, presents a maximum values after lunch, when light intensity and temperature are high
and air relative humidity is lower, and towards the evening, it takes place the reduction of the transpiration intensity.
The transpiration intensity in the attacked leaves presents lower values, in comparison with healthy leaves, as a result of
the appearance of spots, necrosis of the tissue corresponding to spots and malfunctioning mechanisms of the stomata
opening (Fig. 6).
The photosynthesis and transpiration intensity is correlated with the photosynthetic active radiation, leaf
temperature and stomatal conductance, but it presents different values in the healthy leaves, in comparison with the
attacked leaves.
The photosynthetic active radiation increases beginning in the morning (8 a.m.), when it records the values of
987 μmol/m2/s for the healthy leaves and of 960 μmol/m2/s for the attacked leaves, their growth after lunch (12 a.m.),
when the values are of 1510 μmol/m2/s for the healthy leaves and of 1475 μmol/m2/s for the attacked leaves, and
decreases in intensity towards evening (4 p.m.), when it records values of 1175 μmol/m2/s for the healthy leaves and to
1140 μmol/m2/s for the attacked leaves.
86
NICOLAE Ion
The transpiration
5
intensity
(mmol CO2/
m2 /s)
4
BUùE-DRAGOMIR LuminiĠa
4.2
3.91
3.56
3.35
3.6
3
2.35
3.47
3.15
3.12
2
1.9
1
0
8
10
12
14
Healthy leaves
16
The hours
Attacked leaves
Figure 6. The transpiration intensity during the day in the leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
The linear regressions performed between the values of photosynthesis intensity and the photosynthetic active
radiation show a good positive correlation, the coefficient of determination (R2) being of 0.89 for the healthy leaves and
0.85 for the attacked leaves and linear regression made between the transpiration intensity and photosynthetic active
radiations shows a good positive correlation between these, the coefficient of determination (R2) being of 0.95 for the
healthy leaves and 0.84 for the attacked leaves (Figs. 7; 8).
The transpiration
4.5
(mmol H2O/
m2/s)
The photosynthesis
(ȝmol CO2/
11
m2/s)
10
y = 0.0089x - 3.2839
4
2
R = 0.8912
9
y = 0.0033x - 0.7704
2
R = 0.9529
3.5
8
7
3
6
y = 0.0079x - 2.3228
5
4
950
1050
Healthy leaves
Linear (Attacked leaves)
y = 0.003x - 0.702
2.5
2
R = 0.8589
1150
1250
1350
1450
1550
The photosynthetic active radiation (ȝmol/m2/s)
2
950
2
R = 0.8413
1050
Figure 7. The correlation between the photosynthesis
intensity and the photosynthetic active radiation in the
leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
1250
1350
1450
1550
The photosynthetic active radiation (ȝmol/m2/s)
Healthy leaves
Linear (Healthy leaves)
Attacked leaves
Linear (Healthy leaves)
1150
Attacked leaves
Linear (Attacked leaves)
Figure 8. The correlation between the transpiration intensity
and the photosynthetic active radiation in the leaves of
Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
At the analysed plant one can observe an increase of the leaf temperature beginning in the morning (8 a.m.),
when it records the values are of 26.5 oC in the healthy leaves and 26.7 oC in the attacked leaves, the increase of the
temperature after lunch (12 a.m.), when the values are of 32.4 oC in the healthy leaves and 32.5 oC in the attacked leaves
and towards the evening (4 p.m.) the gradual decrease of the temperature, recording values of 29.7 oC in the healthy
leaves and 29.8 oC in the attacked leaves.
The linear regressions performed between the values of photosynthesis intensity and the leaf temperature show a
positive correlation, the coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.83 for the healthy leaves and 0.81 for the attacked leaves and
linear regression made between the transpiration intensity and leaf temperature shows a positive correlation between these, the
coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.84 for the healthy leaves and 0.77 for the attacked leaves (Figs. 9; 10).
The stomatal conductance of CO2 increases beginning in the morning (8 a.m.), when recorded the values are
0.07 mol / m2 / s in the healthy leaves and 0.05 mol / m2 / s in the attacked leaves, the increase of the stomatal
conductance after lunch (12 a.m.), when the values are 0.14 mol / m2 / s in the healthy leaves and 0.11 mol / m2 / s in the
attacked leaves and decreases in intensity towards evening (4 p.m.), when the record values are 0.1 mol / m2 / s in the
healthy leaves and 0.09 mol / m2 / s in the attacked leaves.
87
Muzeul Olteniei Craiova. Oltenia. Studii úi comunicări. ùtiinĠele Naturii. Tom. 29, No. 2/2013
The photosynthesis
(ȝmol CO2/
11
m2/s)
10
The transpiration
4.5
(mmol H2O/
m2/s)
y = 0.6899x - 12.588
y = 0.2509x - 4.0426
4
2
R = 0.8308
9
ISSN 1454-6914
2
R = 0.8424
3.5
8
7
3
6
y = 0.594x - 10.44
y = 0.2236x - 3.6881
2.5
2
R = 0.8193
5
2
R = 0.7729
2
4
26
27
28
29
30
Healthy leaves
Linear (Attacked leaves)
31
26
32
33
34
The temperature (oC)
27
28
29
Figure 9. The correlation between the photosynthesis
intensity and the leaf temperature in the leaves of Armeniaca
vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
31
32
33
34
The temperature (oC)
Healthy leaves
Linear (Healthy leaves)
Attacked leaves
Linear (Healthy leaves)
30
Attacked leaves
Linear (Attacked leaves)
Figure 10. The correlation between the transpiration
intensity and the leaf temperature in the leaves of Armeniaca
vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
The linear regressions performed between the photosynthesis intensity and the stomatal conductance show a
positive correlation, the coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.88 for the healthy leaves and 0.85 for the attacked
leaves and linear regressions performed between the transpiration intensity and the stomatal conductance show a
positive correlation, the coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.93 for the healthy leaves and 0.83 for the attacked
leaves (Figs. 11; 12).
The photosynthesis
(ȝmol CO2/
11
m2/s)
10
The transpiration
4.5
(mmol H2O/
m2/s)
4
y = 66.707x + 1.8486
2
9
R = 0.854
y = 25.491x + 0.9067
2
3.5
R = 0.83
8
3
7
2.5
y = 70.566x + 0.602
6
R = 0.9377
2
5
4
0.04
y = 26.279x + 0.6884
2
2
R = 0.8817
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
1.5
0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.14 0.15
0.14
Stomatal conductance of CO2 (mol/m2/s)
Stomatal conductance of CO2 (mol/m2/s)
Healthy leaves
Linear (Healthy leaves)
Healthy leaves
Linear (Attacked leaves)
Attacked leaves
Linear (Attacked leaves)
Figure 11. The correlation between the photosynthesis
intensity and the stomatal conductance in the leaves of
Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
Attacked leaves
Linear (Healthy leaves)
Figure 12. The correlation between the transpiration
intensity and the stomatal conductance in the leaves of
Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
The leaves attacked by the pathogen present a decrease of the chlorophyll content by 3.47 %, as a result of the
appearance of pink-purple spots and necrosis on the leaves, this correlating with the decrease of the intensity of
photosynthesis (Fig. 13).
The leaves attacked by Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS present lower water content by 1.81 % and a
higher dry substance content by 3.96 %, in comparison with the healthy leaves and this affects the hydric and metabolic
imbalances (Fig. 14).
88
NICOLAE Ion
BUùE-DRAGOMIR LuminiĠa
The
chlorophyll 40
content
(SPAD units)
The water
content and the 70
dry substance
content
60
(% from
37.5
35
the fresh
subst.)
36.2
68.76
67.52
50
40
30
30
32.48
31.24
20
25
10
0
Attacked leaves
20
Healthy leaves
Attacked leaves
The dry substance content
32.48
Figure 13. The chlorophyll content in the leaves of
Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
Healthy leaves
31.24
The water content
Figure 14. The water contents and the dry substance content
in the leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris (NJA 19 variety).
CONCLUSIONS
The photosynthesis intensity and transpiration intensity, during the day, in the leaves of Armeniaca vulgaris LAM.
(NJA 19 variety) attacked by Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS present lower values, in comparison with the healthy
leaves, as a result of the reduction of the assimilation surface by the appearance of pink-purple spots bounded by a reddishbrown border, necrosis of the tissue corresponding to spots, malfunctioning mechanisms of the stomata opening, this causing
the gradual drying of the attacked leaves. The linear regressions performed between these physiological processes and the
photosynthetic active radiation, the leaf temperature and the stomatal conductance show a positive correlation, in healthy
leaves but also in the attacked leaves. The chlorophyll content presents a lower value in leaves attacked by pathogen as a result
of the appearance of spots and necrosis on the leaves, this correlating with the decrease of the intensity of photosynthesis.
The leaves attacked by Stigmina carpophila (LÉV.) M.B. ELLIS present a lower water content and a dry substance
content, in comparison with the healthy leaves, thus determining the hydric and metabolic imbalances with consequences on
the quality and quantity of apricots.
REFERENCES
BIGNAMI C. & NATALI S. 1992. Relazioni idriche e fotosintesi di alcune specie da frutto. Giornate Scientifiche Società
Orticola Italiana (S. O. I.). Ravello (Salerno): 174-175.
BURZO I., TOMA S., OLTEANU I., DEJEU L., DELIAN ELENA, HOZA D. 1999. Fiziologia plantelor de cultură.
Întreprinderea Editorial Poligrafică ùtiinĠa. Chiúinău. 3: 440 pp.
GUCCI R., GRAPPADELLI L. C., NERI D., PICCOTINO D. 1990. Field measurement of photosynthesis. 3. Net leaf
photosynthetic rate and response curves of tree fruit crops to environmental factors. Rivista di Frutticoltura e
di Ortofloricultura. Bologna. Italia. Grupo Giornalistico Edagricole. 52(8-9): 75-80.
LAKSO A. N. 1985. The effects of water stress potential on physiological processes in fruit crops. Acta Horticulturae. I
International Symposium on Water Relations in Fruit Crops. Editors D. Atkinson & H. G. Jones. Pisa, Italy. 171:
275-290.
MITREA RODI. 2006. Boli cheie ale principalelor specii horticole. Editura Universitaria. Craiova: 363 pp.
NICOLAE MARIANA. 2011. Modificări fiziologice suferite de unele plante horticole în urma atacurilor naturale produse
de patogeni. Teză de doctorat. Universitatea din Craiova. Romania. 270 pp.
NICOLAE I. & CAMEN D. 2011. Physiological modifications in Cerasus avium (L.) MOENCH as a result of the attack
produced by Blumeriella jaapii (REHM) ARX. Journal of Horticulture. Forestry and Biotechnology. Timiúoara,
Romania. 15(1): 107-112.
RUTHNER SZ., PEDRYC A., KRISKA B., ROMERO C., BADENES M. L. 2006. Molecular characterization of apricot
(Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars using cross species SSR amplification with peach primers. International
Journal of Horticultural Science. Agroinform Publishing House. Budapest. 12(3): 53-57.
SĂVESCU A. & RAFAILĂ C. 1978. Prognoza în protectia plantelor. Editura Ceres. Bucureúti: 354 pp.
Ion Nicolae
Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, University of Craiova
13, A. I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Romania.
E-mail: [email protected]
LuminiĠa Buúe-Dragomir
Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, University of Craiova
13, A. I. Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Romania.
E-mail: [email protected]
Received: March 15, 2013
Accepted: May 21, 2013
89