Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2007, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (5): 930-936.DOI: 10.17521/cjpe.2007.0118

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

ISOFLAVONE ACCUMULATION IN WILD SOYBEAN UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS AND ITS ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Zhou San, Zhou Ming, Zhang Shuo, Liu Zhan-Tao, Zhao Yong-Juan, Yu Tian-Zhen, Yue Wang()   

  1. Pharmic Department, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
  • Received:2006-03-01 Accepted:2007-07-16 Online:2007-03-01 Published:2007-09-30
  • Contact: Yue Wang

Abstract:

Aims Some species-specific secondary metabolites are key players in the interaction between plants and their environment. An ecotype of wild soybean (Glycine soja), naturally growing in saline soil of Yellow River delta in Shandong Province of China, shows substantial genetically determined salt-resistance, and its isoflavone content is higher than that in many cultivated soybeans. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between isoflavone and saline condition in Glycine soja through experimentation.

Methods The ecotype of wild soybean mentioned above and a variety (Huiming Soybean) of cultivated soybean (Glycine max) from same area were cultivated under saline condition. We determined the isoflavone contents in their leaves, roots and seeds, phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities and phenylalanine contents in their leaves, the number of nodules and nitrogen-fixing enzyme activities in their roots.

Important findings Isoflavone anabolism in the wild soybean was promoted by salt while it was inhibited in the cultivated soybean. The higher isoflavones contents of the wild soybean were significantly associated with the higher activities and efficiency of nitrogen fixation in its roots. Results suggested that isoflavones, secondary metabolites of the wild soybean, played an important role in the wild soybean adapting to the saline environment. Underlying processes require further investigation.

Key words: Glycine soja, Glycine max, isoflavones, saline soil