Phenological variations of primary biochemicals in male and female plants of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don

Abstract

Dioecious nature of a plant shows variations in male and female individuals of that species, due to their differential role in sexual reproduction. So it is evident for them to have different metabolite stock in various stages of their life. Hippophae salicifolia D. Don. is a deciduous and dioecious plant species with its immense livelihood, health, and ecological potential. Focussing on the dioecious nature of this plant species male and female individuals of the H. salicifolia were screened for primary metabolite contents viz. Total soluble protein content (TSPC), total free amino acid content (TFAAC) and Carbohydrates (total soluble sugars content-TSSC and total soluble starch content-TSStC) content in different growing seasons of the year. For this leaves and buds of male and female plants were selected during active and dormant seasons respectively. Variations were observed in primary metabolites in all studied months in leaves and buds of the male and female plant. TSSC in female leaves was lower in May and July whereas it was higher in September and November than male leaves. TSPC were found higher in male leaves than female leaves in all observed month except November. TFAAC in male was most elevated in September whereas it was highest in November in female leaves. Carbohydrate, protein and free amino acid contents were found higher in winter buds which help the plants to cope up with the harsh and chilled winter conditions. During dormancy releasing period, buds showed higher TSSC, lower TSStC, higher TSPC, and lower TFAAC.