The response of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase and phenols to cold stress in the olive tree (Olea europaea L. cv. Picual)

BACKGROUND: In this study the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein in olive tree (Olea europaea L. cv. Picual) leaves were investigated before and after cold stress by freezing. The air temperature fell to below -7 degrees C and, according to the specific field conditions, four categories of orchard were selected: not cold stressed (NS), lightly cold stressed (LS), moderately cold stressed (MS) and heavily cold stressed (HS). RESULTS: In LS and MS samples the PAL specific activity at saturated substrate concentration rose 4.8- and 1.9-fold respectively compared with NS samples. In HS samples the PAL activity declined by 47% compared with NS samples. A low level of PAL protein was detected in all samples affected by cold stress. In LS, MS and HS samples the PPO specific activity at saturated substrate concentration was 1.9-, 4.4- and 9.8-fold higher respectively than in NS samples. K-m values also increased after cold stress. In MS and HS samples the concentration of oleuropein was 69 and 82% higher respectively than in NS samples, while the concentrations of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol decreased. CONCLUSION: The response of PAL activity may be part of a recovery process of the olive leaf against cold stress, while the response of PPO and oleuropein may be part of an antioxidant protection mechanism. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry