Chlorophyll, nitrogen and antioxidant activities in Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd) (Fabaceae) in two water regimes

Abstract

The Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd.) is a species used by traditional populations and industries using timber and non-timber forest products. This study aimed to analyze the levels of chlorophyll A, B, total ammonia levels, nitrate, proline, electrolyte leakage and activity of oxidative enzymes in evaluation to tolerance of cumaru plants subjected to drought for 21 days of stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia (UFRA), Belém, Pará, in the period from March to July 2015. The results showed a significant decrease in the relative water content of 50.8 and 55% for chlorophyll b, 45% to total chlorophyll and an increase in proline to the plants under drought. There was no significant difference to chlorophyll a, ammonium and nitrate. Increases in electrolyte leak with 22.74% for roots and 39.55% for leaves were observed. The enzyme catalase (CAT) showed a significant increase from the 14th day of the experiment, while changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were observed from the 7th day of the experiment. Cumaru plants are not drought tolerant over 21 days; also, young plants of cumaru respond negatively to conditions of low water availability in the soil.

Key words: Drought, oxidative stress, chlorophyll, tolerance, Dipteryx odorata.