Altitude Triggers Some Biochemical Adaptations of Polygonum cognatum Meissn. Plants
Abstract
Madimak is a local name of Polygonum cognatum which is known as a nutrient- and phenolic-rich
edible plant in Turkish traditional cuisine. Knotweed (madimak) is usually
found in both agricultural and non-agricultural areas at different altitudes
from 720 to 3000 meters. This study aimed to investigate some biochemical
effects of altitude in knotweed plants. Knotweed leaf samples collected from
two different elevations (1656 and 1170 meters) of mountainous regions of
Şebinkarahisar (Giresun, Turkey) at optimum vegetation stage. The total
chlorophyll and carotenoid levels were determined in fresh leaves while the
total flavonoid amount, proline and the total soluble sugar contents in dried
leaf samples spectrophotometrically. The proline and the total flavonoid
contents were more abundant whereas the amounts of soluble sugars, the total
chlorophyll and carotenoids decreased at higher altitude plants. Altitudinal
gradient affects the important parameters in the biochemistry of knotweed. Especially, owing to the flavonoid-rich
content, higher located knotweed could be defined as a functional food.
Keywords
Altitude,Flavonoid,Polygonum cognatum,Photosynthetic pigment,Proline,Soluble sugar
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