Effects of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on giant reed (Arundo donax L.) gene expression and cold stress tolerance

Abstract

A new promising energy crop, giant reed (Arundo donax. L), has the potential for high biomass production with low agricultural input. However, two field experiments completed in Nova Scotia showed that giant reed cannot survive the winter without protection. The present study focused on applying a biostimulant, Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), to enhance cold resistance of giant reed. The gene expression of giant reed was analyzed by transcriptome analysis; the chlorophyll content and foliar electrolyte leakage were measured. The results showed that application of ANE up-regulated many genes including those related to light-harvesting and cellular stress. Low concentration of ANE (1 ml/L) increased chlorophyll content and decreased the leaf electrolyte leakage after freezing. Thus, the preliminary data of the present study suggests that the ANE treatment has significant effects on giant reed gene expression, and may increase its tolerance to cold stress.