6533b835fe1ef96bd129e975

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Investigations on the Polyamine Content of Spruce Needles Relative to the Occurrence of Novel Forest Decline

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Summary Levels of free polyamines were monitored in needles of spruce trees [ Picea abies (L.) Karst.] during the course of two vegetation periods at five natural sites. The putrescine concentration in needles of damaged spruce trees was significantly higher than in needles of undamaged trees. This is e.g. impressively proved by the putrescine/spermidine-ratio. While undamaged trees show nearly similar putrescine and spermidine concentrations, damaged trees have five- to tenfold higher putrescine levels depending on the increasing state of damage. Thus, the content of putrescine in needles can be used as a qualified biochemical damage indicator of spruce trees. The physiological effects of polyamines, in particular their capacity to stabilize membranes and their radical scavenging properties, are discussed in respect to senescence retardation.