engleski

Foliar application of kaolin clay reduces oxidative stress, improve photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content in the leaves of peer trees during summer stress

Kaolin is natural clay, and its spray application creates a thin protective layer on the plant surface. It protects plants from adverse abiotic stresses, which improves their yield and quality. In this experiment, a kaolin particle film application was tested on pear leaves during summer conditions, with the aim of evaluate the benefits of kaolin under stressful conditions (high temperature and excessive irradiation). The investigation was carried out in experimental orchard of Agricultural institute Osijek, Croatia. Two pear cultivars were included in experiment: Abate Fetel and Conferance. We analysed and compared photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, MDA, H202, phenols and enzymatic antioxidative activity between kaolin sprayed and water sprayed (control) plants under field conditions during warm day. The obtained results indicate that kaolin clay application could improve the leaf physiology, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency of pear trees subjected to heat and excessive light. Kaolin reduced oxidative stress, alleviated membrane damage and regulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, kaolin application in pear trees has shown potential as a summer stress prevention strategy. This study provides insights into the physiological adaptation of pear trees to high temperature and excessive light after kaolin applications, which may be also useful in production of other fruit trees affected by climate changes.

kaolin clay, pear, oxidative stress, photosynthesis

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