Degradation of chlorophyll and synthesis of flavonols during autumn senescence-the story told by individual leaves.

ABSTRACT: 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 ~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 absci

SUBMITTER: Mattila H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6007487 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature