Physiological responses and differential gene expression in Prunus rootstocks under iron deficiency conditions

Summary

This hydroponic study compared iron-deficiency responses in two Prunus rootstocks, revealing genotype-specific physiological and molecular mechanisms for iron chlorosis tolerance. Felinem activated iron reduction rapidly via FC-R enzyme induction, whilst P 2175 exhibited a slower response centred on rhizosphere acidification. Differential expression of iron-homeostasis genes (PFRO2, PIRT1, PAHA2) aligned with the contrasting tolerance strategies observed.

Regional applicability

Findings are relevant to UK fruit production, particularly stone-fruit cultivation where iron chlorosis occurs on calcareous soils. Rootstock selection based on these mechanistic insights could improve peach and plum performance on problem soils, though UK field validation would be warranted given this was a controlled hydroponic study.

Key measures

Iron chelate reductase (FC-R) activity, medium pH, leaf chlorophyll content, quantitative real-time PCR expression of PFRO2, PIRT1 and PAHA2 genes

Outcomes reported

The study characterized biochemical and molecular responses to iron deficiency in two Prunus rootstocks (Myrobalan plum P 2175 and peach-almond hybrid Felinem) by measuring iron chelate reductase activity, medium pH, chlorophyll loss, and differential gene expression of PFRO2, PIRT1 and PAHA2. Two distinct iron chlorosis tolerance mechanisms were identified: Felinem relied primarily on iron reduction, whilst P 2175 employed medium acidification as a slower response.

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