Proteins as Gene Markers of Tolerance to Drought in Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra ARNOLD)

Abstract

Proteins as gene markers of tolerance to drought in Austrian pine (Pinus nigra ARNOLD). - Phyton (Horn, Austria) 52 (2): 263-280, with 8 figures. The aim of the research was to determine the variability of protein content in seeds and seedlings at the level of the studied provenances, populations and open-pollinated trees. Studies have included 40 trees that originated from 5 provenances in the Balkan Peninsula. Within each provenance, seeds were collected from five trees growing in extremely harsh habitat (rocky terrain population) and three trees growing in a favorable habitat (control population). The specifics of the studied provenances, populations and open-pollinated trees have been confirmed in the analysis of salt soluble protein with molecular weight from 12.42 kDa to 240kDa. Variability and stability of proteins were observed on the seed, and then on 9-day-old seedlings obtained on a 4% sucrose solution (drought conditions) and distilled water (control). The analysis of seed protein complex shows the most significant differences between the analyzed provenances, whereas the differences between populations and habitat conditions are insignificant. Also, there is a high intra- and inter- open-polinated trees variability of the analyzed proteins. At the same time, protein complex in the seedlings obtained in drought and controlled conditions points to the differences among the analyzed populations, ie. it shows a different gene expression depending on the differences in habitats where the seed were collected (rocky-control). This research is important for practical application in the production of seeds and planting materials which could be used for afforestation in extreme habitats.