Chilling Injury and Nucleotide Changes in Young Cotton Plants

Abstract

The effects of chilling at 3 to 5 C on the nucleotide composition of roots and leaves of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings were determined. Chilling decreased the concentration of nucleotides, especially di- and triphosphates, in both leaves and roots. Chilling also caused an increase in free nucleosides. The results are interpreted to mean that general phosphorolytic activity is associated with chilling injury rather than damage to the phosphorylating mechanisms alone. Hardening at 10 to 20 C prior to chilling protected the seedlings against subsequent chilling injury and prevented nucleotide losses.