Correlation between the levels of potassium and polyamines in the leaves of grapevine

Abstract

Potassium and the most abundant polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) concentrations were determined in the leaf blades of Vitis vinifera L. cv. White Riesling, Ezerjó , Kövidinka, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot, Kadarka varieties at ripening to characterize the correlation between these two types of osmolytes under drought stress and low nutrient supply. K+ concentration in the leaf blades changed in the range of 0.27-0.81% , indicating serious K+ deficiency . Kadarka and Ezerjó varieties accumulated the lowest and Kövidinka the greatest quantity of potassium. Below 0.5% K+ content the increase of free and soluble-conjugated putrescine concentration could be observed. The highest levels were formed in the leaves of Ezerjó: 1785 nmol/g fw. free and 589 nmol/g fw. soluble-conjugated putrescine and these values decreased to 11 nmol/g fw. and 14 nmol/g fw. at Kövidinka variety. Free spermidine concentration changed in the range of 25-100 nmol/g fw and the content of conjugated form was lower. The free and soluble-conjugated spermime levels remained below 20 nmol/g fw. Accumulation of spermidine and spermine didnot correlate with the K+ concentration in the leaf blades.