Use of the peroxidase enzyme to diagnose the resistance of grape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) to low temperatures

Abstract

Despite the global trend of the increase in average annual air temperatures observed in recent years, the recurrence of stressful negative temperatures in winter has increased in the southern region of the Russian Federation, and, therefore, the problems of grape frost resistance remain relevant. Low-temperature stresses lead to serious damage and a decrease in vine yields. In order to distinguish the most resistant grape varieties, it is necessary to carry out plant research on the physiological and biochemical level. The paper presents the results of research related to the study of resistance to low negative temperatures of grape varieties of different ecological and geographical groups according to the activity of peroxidase enzyme and its isoforms. The research objects were grape varieties (interspecific hybrids) of European-American origin – Dostoyny, Krasnostop AZOS, Vostorg; of Western European origin – Aligote; of Eastern European origin – Zarif; of Euro-Amur-American origin – Kristall. The study was aimed at exploring the activity of peroxidase and its isoforms and, based on the research results, identifying grape varieties most resistant to low temperatures under the conditions of the southern region of Russia. According to the obtained data on peroxidase activity and electrophoretic separation of peroxidases in polyacrylamide gel, most resistant and less resistant grape varieties to low negative temperatures were identified. The resistant varieties Kristall, Krasnostop AZOS, Vostorg were characterized by a weak increase in peroxidase activity during autumn-winter period (1.1-1.4 times), higher number of isoforms, and their qualitative composition. The less resistant grape varieties Dostoyny, Aligote, and Zarif were characterized by a greater increase in peroxidase activity (1.7- 2.4 times), a small number of isoforms, and their disappearance under conditions of artificial stress. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the study of peroxidase activity and changes in isoperoxidase spectrum in grapevine shoots can be used as diagnostic criteria for assessment of grape varieties for their resistance to low negative temperatures in winter period.