The effect of different levels of potassium chloride and temperature on some physiological and biochemical characteristics of Citrus Aurantium seedlings

Low temperature is one of the most important limiting environmental factors the development and production of citrus cultivar. One of solution for improvement of plant tolerance to abiotic stresses is nutrition of potassium fertilizers. Accordingly, in this study, the effects of KCl consumption with different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5 and 10mM) and in (0, -3 and 25° C) temperatures on physiological and biochemical responses of young shoots of citrus were evaluated in a completely randomized design at the Citrus Research Institute in the city of Ramsar in 1392, with four replications . Results showed that in treatment of 0 mM potassium chloride and temperature of -3 (°C) was observed the maximum of carotenoid and lipid peroxidation. The maximum chlorophyll a, b, total were observed in highest concentration of potassium chloride and temperature of 25 °C. Highest proline, were occurred in 0 mM concentration potassium chloride and temperature -3 °C. Generally, potassium by increasing of leaf water content and decreasing secondary metabolites such as proline and leaf water potential causes to increase of cell membrane stability tolerance in low temperature stress.