Authors : A.K.S. Lobato, R.C.L. Costa, M.A.M. Neto, C.F. Oliveira Neto, B.G. Santos Filho, G.A.R. Alves, K.C. Costa, L.I. Silva, T.V. Conrado and M.P. Maleia
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the consequences provoked by the water deficit on nitrogen compounds in Capsicum annuum L. (cv. Vermelho Gigante) plants. The experimental design used was entirely randomized, with 2 water regimes (control and stress), as well as it was composed by 5 repetitions. The free ammonium levels suffered significant interference, as well as the control and stress treatments presented 25.9 and 20.1 μmol NH4+/g/DM, respectively. The proline level was significantly increased at 121.8%, when compared with control plants. The glycinebetaine level in stress plants presented significant increase at 39.8%. The total soluble proteins were in control and stress treatments were 5.72 and 3.89 mg/g/DM, respectively. The study revealed that the water deficit of 6 days was sufficient to provoke changes in all the nitrogen compounds evaluated, in which the reduction in amount of free ammonium is due to lower nitrogen influx and decrease of the total soluble proteins is promoted by the protease enzyme action. However, the proline and glycinebetaine levels in stress plants were showed accumulations, due to process of plant osmotic adjustment.
A.K.S. Lobato, R.C.L. Costa, M.A.M. Neto, C.F. Oliveira Neto, B.G. Santos Filho, G.A.R. Alves, K.C. Costa, L.I. Silva, T.V. Conrado and M.P. Maleia, 2009. Consequences of the Water Deficit on Nitrogen Compounds in Pepper (cv. Vermelho Gigante) Plants. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 760-764.