Proline Accumulation in Wilted Ladino Clover Leaves1

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Abstract
Ladino clover plants were allowed to wilt in the field and in the greenhouse to determine the effects of wilting on soluble nitrogen compounds. Wilting caused a slight decrease in total nitrogen but little change in amount of soluble nitrogen. A large increase in free proline occurred in all wilted leaves. Free asparagine was abundant in unwilted leaves but varied considerably during wilting. Other free amino acids occurred in small amounts. Only traces of glutamine were found.Two light intensities were used in the greenhouse experiment. During severe wilting, the higher intensity stimulated proline synthesis. The results suggest that proline accumulation during wilting is influenced by available carbohydrate.The results of these experiments show that marked changes in free nitrogen compounds occur during wilting. These changes may aid in conserving nitrogen and carbon during moisture stress.