Activities of Sucrose Catalyzing Enzymes of Cucumber Fruits as Affected by NaCl Addition to Nutrient Solution.

Summary

This controlled-environment study examined how sodium chloride addition to nutrient solution affects the activity of three key sucrose-metabolising enzymes in developing cucumber fruits. Acid invertase activity tended to be higher under salt stress on the day of anthesis and showed proximal-to-distal gradient variation, whilst sucrose synthase activity declined during normal fruit development but was further suppressed by 60 mM NaCl. The findings suggest salt stress and fruit developmental stage interact to modulate sugar metabolism in cucumber, with potential implications for fruit quality.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in Japan under controlled greenhouse conditions with solution culture, so direct transferability to United Kingdom field conditions is limited. However, the fundamental enzyme kinetics and salt–sugar metabolism relationships may inform UK protected cropping management, particularly as salinity management in hydroponic and substrate-based horticulture becomes relevant under climate change.

Key measures

Acid invertase (AI) activity, neutral invertase (NI) activity, sucrose synthase (SS) activity; developmental timing (days after anthesis); spatial distribution within fruit (proximal vs. distal); fruit type (pollinated vs. parthenocarpic)

Outcomes reported

The study measured activities of acid invertase, neutral invertase, and sucrose synthase in cucumber fruits grown under control and 60 mM NaCl nutrient solution conditions, tracking developmental changes and spatial variation within fruits. It examined how salt stress and fruit development stage (pollinated vs. parthenocarpic) affected these enzyme activities.

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