ABA level, proline and phenolic concentration, and PAL activity induced during cold acclimation in androgenic Festulolium forms with contrasting resistance to frost and pink snow mould (Microdochium nivale)

The metabolic changes in foliar abscisic acid, proline and phenolic concentration, and PAL activity induced during cold acclimation in androgenic forms of Festulolium contrasting in terms of their resistance to frost and Microdochium nivale were studied. The frost-resistant and snow mould-resistant (cross-tolerant) genotype (561) was characterized by a higher ABA amount and higher PAL activity compared to those of the frost and snow mould-susceptible genotype (621) during cold acclimation. The obtained results suggest that both these parameters are involved in a cross-tolerance mechanism relating to frost and snow mould resistance.