Alteration of proline and soluble carbohydrate contents as pest responses in Robinia pseudoacacia L and Ailanthus altissima Mill. During succesive months

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of different months and pests on proline and sugar contents of leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia L and Ailanthus altissima Mill. Swingle. The study was carried out at research station of Moghan College of Agriculture. Four samples were selected randomly from each of three hectare sites. Each sample was collected in five replications in different months from healthy trees and pest affected trees. Fresh and dry weight, the level of proline and soluble carbohydrates were determined using spectrophotometric methods. For comparison of data means between healthy and pest trees independent sample t-test and for comparison of means between data in different months Duncan method was used. The results showed that in dry month, (July-Sep) proline and soluble carbohydrates increased. Fresh and dry weight of leaves increased in healthy trees but proline and soluble carbohydrates increased in pest trees. Proline and soluble carbohydrate are involved in tolerance mechanisms against stress and this was the main strategy of plants to avoid detrimental effects of stress.