Glycine betaine counteracts the inhibitory effects of waterlogging on growth, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative defence system, nutrient composition, and fruit quality in tomato

ABSTRACT

Glycine betaine (GB) is an important organic compound mediating plant responses to environmental stresses. However, despite ample research on this biomolecule, the potential of GB in mitigating the effects of waterlogging in plants has not been established. Therefore, we studied the influence of GB on growth and physiology of tomato plants under waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging reduced plant growth, degraded chlorophyll, and increased concentration of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide that deteriorated membrane integrity. Waterlogging increased catalase and peroxidase activities. Waterlogging increased the concentration of Na and reduced concentrations of K. Reductions in root Ca were also recorded. GB enhanced growth, concentration of chlorophyll and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase that in turn protected the plants from oxidative damage. GB decreased Na while increasing leaf and root K and stem and fruit Ca under waterlogging. Waterlogging reduced fruit quality. There was decrease in protein, fat, and total dissolved solids and an increase in fruit moisture, P, and Na in plants under waterlogging. GB enhanced fruit quality largely by improving fruit protein, ash, fat, TDS, and Ca, while it decreased fruit Na. The results of this study suggest the use of GB for commercial production of tomato where waterlogging is likely.

KEYWORDS:

• Antioxidants
• fruit quality
• glycine betaine
• tomato
• waterlogging

Acknowledgements

The study presented in this manuscript was partially supported by research grant No. 21-188/SRGP/R&D/HEC/2014. This funding was given to Dr Muhammad Arslan Ashraf by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The authors greatly acknowledge the efforts of HEC for providing research funding. The authors are also thankful to Muhammad Asim Sajid and Farhan Saeed for providing facilitation and technical guidance in carrying out different analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan [21-188/SRGP/R&D/HEC/2014].