A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Degradation of chlorophyll and synthesis of flavonols during autumn senescence-the story told by individual leaves
Authors: Mattila H, Valev D, Havurinne V, Khorobrykh S, Virtanen O, Antinluoma M, Mishra KB, Tyystjärvi E
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS
Publication year: 2018
Journal: AoB PLANTS
Journal name in source: AOB PLANTS
Journal acronym: AOB PLANTS
Article number: ARTN ply028
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Number of pages: 13
ISSN: 2041-2851
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/ply028
Web address : https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/10/3/ply028/4992655
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/35433237
Autumn senescence of deciduous trees is characterized by chlorophyll degradation and flavonoid synthesis. In the present study, chlorophyll and flavonol contents were measured every morning and evening during the whole autumn with a non-destructive method from individual leaves of Sorbus aucuparia, Acer platanoides, Betula pendula and Prunus padus. In most of the studied trees, the chlorophyll content of each individual leaf remained constant until a phase of rapid degradation commenced. The fast phase lasted only similar to 1 week and ended with abscission. In S. aucuparia, contrary to the other species, the chlorophyll content of leaflets slowly but steadily decreased during the whole autumn, but rapid chlorophyll degradation commenced only prior to leaflet abscission also in this species. An increase in flavonols commonly accompanied the rapid degradation of chlorophyll. The results may suggest that each individual tree leaf retains its photosynthetic activity, reflected by a high chlorophyll content, until a rapid phase of chlorophyll degradation and flavonoid synthesis begins. Therefore, in studies of autumn senescence, leaves whose chlorophyll content is decreasing and leaves with summertime chlorophyll content (i.e. the leaves that have not yet started to degrade chlorophyll) should be treated separately.
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