Differential Sensitivity to Waterlogging and Cyanogenesis by Peach, Apricot, and Plum Roots1

Abstract

Abstract Individual plants varied considerably, but peach and apricot were more sensitive to waterlogging than was plum. No differences were established between peach and apricot. All 3 species became more sensitive as temperature was increased between 17 and 27°C. More than half of the plum seedlings survived at 17°C whereas all plants of the other 2 species died. A scion of a more tolerant species did not overcome the sensitivity of the roots. Both cyanogenic glycoside content and the proportion of it that was hydrolyzed during waterlogging were higher in peach than in plum roots. Exposure of detached root systems of all 3 species to anaerobic conditions caused HCN to be released. The rate of cyanogenesis increased with both temperature and time. Peach and apricot roots were alike in HCN evolution whereas plum roots were lower, with release of HCN being barely detectable at 22°C. Cyanogenesis was significant in peach and apricot at as low as 17°C. A close association exists among differential sensitivity, glycoside hydrolysis, and cyanogenesis in the absence of O 2 . However, the latter may be secondary, though contributory, to cellular disorganization as a cause of sensitivity.