RESEARCH ARTICLE

Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 9 No. 2, December 1997, p. 93-99

PROLINE ACCUMULATION IN THE LEAVES OF WATER STRESSED OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis JACQ.) SEEDLINGS

MOHD HANIFF Harun*

ABSTRACT

An increase in stomatal resistance of oil palm seedlings was related to increasing water deficit indicated by a reduction in leaf water potential. Proline began to accumulate after stomatal resistance reached a peak (215.6±16.8 s cm-1). This led to a recovery in leaf water potential followed by a similar reduction in stomatal resistance. The proline level eventually fell to the control level after watering was resumed. Water stress also reduced dry matter production and its partitioning to the root system of oil palm seedlings.

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* Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia,
No 6, Persiaran Institusi Bandar Baru Bangi,
43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.