Regulation of synthesis, transport, and accumulation of osmoprotectants in Beta vulgaris

Abstract

Beta vulgaris accumulates large amounts of sucrose, betaine, and raffinose in tap roots. Regulation of betaine synthesis, transport, ansd accumulation is important, but its mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we examined the the changes of accumulations of osmoprotectants. One month old Beta vulgaris accumulates betaine 2 - 5 micro-mol/gFW even under the control conditions. Upon salt stress, the levels of CMO and betaine increased significantly in all the leaves, stems, and roots. The levels of Na+ also increased upon the salt stress. A betaine/praline transporter gene was isolated from sugar beet. The changes of accumulation of sucrose, cations, genes for betaine synthesis and transport under these conditions will be presented.