Quantification of frost damage in plant tissues by rates of electrolyte leakage.

Murray, M. B.; Cape, J.N.; Fowler, D.. 1989 Quantification of frost damage in plant tissues by rates of electrolyte leakage. New Phytologist, 113 (3). 307-311.

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Abstract/Summary

A method for assessing frost hardiness of plant tissues [using shoots of Picea rubens Sarg. syn P. rubra (Du Roi) Link] has been developed based upon the rate of electrolyte leakage from shoots immersed in distilled water after exposure to a range of freezing treatments. The relationship between conductivity (the electrolyte concentration in solution) and time has been shown to follow an asymptotic curve, which may be represented by a first-order equation: Ct - Co = (Cauto - Co) (1 - e-kt) where Ct is the conductivity at time t, Co is the initial conductivity, Cauto is the conductivity after autoclaving and k is the first-order rate constant (units time-1). The rate of electrolyte leakage (k) varies directly with the extent of tissue damage. In P. rubens a rate of 0.4% h-1 distinguished between shoots which eventually died, and shoots which remained alive. A minimum of 3 conductivity measurements (after 1 day, 5 days and after autoclaving) is required for a reliable estimate of k. This objective, quantitative method of assessing frost hardiness may therefore be used directly to estimate LT50 values within a population.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	_ Pre-2000 sections
ISSN:	0028-646X
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Atmospheric Sciences
Date made live:	14 May 2009 07:55 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/6621

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