Abstract:

Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of SO2 stress on the physiological parameters in Prunus cerasifera var. atropurea seedlings by utilizing a simple static fumigation system, in order to provide a theoretical guide for cultivating Prunus cerasifera var. atropurea in contaminated areas. The results showed that, with the increment of SO2 concentration, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased continuously, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity increased during the first period, but declined afterwards, while cell membrane permeability, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, proline (Pro) content and soluble protein content rose in different degrees. The value of these four parameters was 194.2%, 112.06%, 70.51% and 97.77% higher than that of control respectively when SO2 concentration reached to 22.86 mg/m3. It was concluded that the metabolites in the leaves of Prunus cerasifera var. atropurea increased consistently continuously and thus SO2 resistance was promoted with the increment of SO2 concentration. However, the antioxidant enzyme system was damaged when SO2 concentration exceeded 17.14 mg/m3, which indicated that Prunus cerasifera var. atropurea was not suitable to be cultivated in these areas. Farther research was also needed to testify this conclusion.