Water deficit-induced changes in concentrations in proline and some other amino acids in the phloem sap of alfalfa

Changes in amino acid composition of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) phloem sap were studied in response to a water deficit. Sap was collected by stylectomy. As the leaf water potential (Psi) decreased from -0.4 to -2.0 MPa, there was a significant increase of the total amino acid concentration, due to that of some amino acids: proline, valine, isoleucine, leucine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and threonine. Asparagine concentration, which is the main amino acid assayed in the phloem sap of alfalfa (it accounts for 70% of the total content), did not vary with the plant water status. The other amino acid concentrations remained stable as Psi varied; in particular, gamma-amino butyric acid concentration remained unchanged, whereas it varied in response to wounding. The more striking change in the sieve tubes was the accumulation of proline, which was observed below a Psi threshold value of about -0.9 MPa (concentration x60 for a decrease of Psi from -0.9 to -2.0 MPa). The role of such changes in phloem sap amino acid concentration in osmotic adjustment of growing tissues is discussed.