Boron deficiency affects cell viability, phenolic leakage and oxidative burst in rose cell cultures

Despite the fact that the effect of B deficiency on cell metabolism has been studied extensively the mechanism by which B deficiency causes cell death has not been determined. Several authors have hypothesized that B deficiency leads to oxidative burst and hence cell death, though this has not been demonstrated experimentally. In the present work we utilize rose cell ( Rosa damascena Mill cv Gloide de Guilan) suspension culture, maintained at the stationary growth phase to determine the effect of B deficiency on cell viability and a number of physiological and biochemical parameters including H2O2 production, phenolic leakage, pH of the medium, B concentration and biomass. B deficiency resulted in the death of some cells as early as 24 h following B deprivation, and continued rapidly in the following days. In B deficient cells a small oxidative burst ( indicated by the production of H2O2) was observed coincident with first cell death and increasing thereafter. Increasing amounts of phenolics were observed in the culture medium of the deficient treatment indicating loss of membrane integrity, however results suggest this increase is a secondary consequence of cell death. The effect of B deficiency on the oxidative burst, together with the effect on cell viability is discussed.