Trans-aconitic acid inhibits the growth and photosynthesis of Glycine max

• Published in: Plant physiology and biochemistry 2018-11, Vol.132, p.490-496
• Main Authors: Bortolo, Tiara da Silva Coelho, Marchiosi, Rogério, Viganó, Joselaine, Siqueira-Soares, Rita de Cássia, Ferro, Ana Paula, Barreto, Gabriela Elen, Bido, Graciene de Souza, Abrahão, Josielle, dos Santos, Wanderley Dantas, Ferrarese-Filho, Osvaldo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aconitic Acid - pharmacology; Cell Membrane Permeability - drug effects; Chlorophyll - metabolism; Chlorophyll a fluorescence; Fluorescence; Gas exchange; Gases - metabolism; Glycine max - drug effects; Glycine max - growth & development; Hydrogen Peroxide - metabolism; Photosynthesis - drug effects; Photosynthetic rate; Plant Roots - drug effects; Plant Roots - metabolism; Plant Stomata - drug effects; Plant Stomata - physiology; Reactive oxygen species; Solutions
• ISSN: 0981-9428; 1873-2690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.09.036

Grasses producing trans-aconitic acid, a geometric isomer of cis-aconitic acid, are often used in Glycine max rotation systems. However, the effects of trans-aconitic acid on Glycine max are unknown. We conducted a hydroponic experiment to evaluate the effects of 2.5–10 mM trans-aconitic acid on Glycine max growth and photosynthesis. The results revealed that the enhanced H2O2 production in the roots increased the membrane permeability and reduced the water uptake. These effects culminated with a reduced stomatal conductance (gs), which seems to be the main cause for a decreased photosynthetic rate (A). Due to low gs, the limited CO2 assimilation may have overexcited the photosystems, as indicated by the high production of H2O2 in leaves. After 96 h of incubation, and due to H2O2-induced damage to photosystems, a probable non-stomatal limitation for photosynthesis contributed to reducing A. This is corroborated by the significant decrease in the quantum yield of electron flow through photosystem II in vivo (ΦPSII) and the chlorophyll content. Taken together, the damage to the root system and photosynthetic apparatus caused by trans-aconitic acid significantly reduced the Glycine max plant growth. •Trans-aconitic acid strongly inhibited the plant's growth.•The H2O2 production affected root permeability.•After 24 h incubation, the stomatal closure reduced the photosynthetic rate.•After 96 h incubation, non-stomatal limitation for photosynthesis was evident.