Physiological Changes and Cold Tolerance of Three Camphor Species During Natural Winter Temperature Fluctuations

The dynamic changes in the malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein contents, as well as the relative electrolyte conductivity and the corresponding cold resistance, of Cinnamomum bodinieri Level., C. camphora L., and C. caudiferum Kisterm were investigated during the winter months of October 2009 to April 2010. During the short period of temperature decline that lasted until mid-December, the changes in the relative electrolyte conductivity and MDA content with temperature were insignificant. In January, SOD activity continued to increase and then peaked as a result of rapid increases in soluble sugar, proline, soluble protein, as well as the inhibition of the relative electrolyte conductivity and decrease in MDA content. These physiological changes protected the camphor trees from cold damage during winter. From February to March, SOD activity and the soluble protein and proline contents increased with the increase in temperature. However, the relative electrolyte conductivity and MDA content decreased, indicating that the cell membrane damaged by low temperature was gradually being repaired. The cold dip in April led to slight increases in the relative electrolyte conductivity and MDA content. Using a fuzzy mathematics method, the cold resistance adaptability of the camphor trees was divided into three periods namely, the enhancement setting stage, the vigorous stage, and the reducing stage. The cold tolerance abilities were ranked as the following order: C. bodinieri Level>C. camphora L.>C. caudiferum Kisterm.