Study of physiological traits of strawberry to low temperature after treatment by ascorbic acid

ABSTRACT:Although ascorbic acid (AsA) is one of the most important and abundantly occurring water soluble antioxidants in plants, relatively little is known about its role in counteracting the adverse effects of low temperature stress on plant growth. In this study, foliar application of ascorbic acid (AsA)on improving tolerance of strawberry under low temperature conditions was investigated. Physiological parameters include chlorophyll a and b, activity of SOD, APX, POD and CAT were evaluated. The results indicate that the content of chlorophyll a and b decreased dramatically with the reduced temperature. Low temperature treatment significantly (P < 0.01) decreased SOD, POD and APX activity but SOD, POD, CATand APX activities were increased by application of AsA. These results suggest that foliar application of AsA may alleviate Low temperature stress in strawberry by inducing antioxidant enzymes activity.