Respiratory potential – indicator of stress in plants

Abstract

Plants are permanently or temporary exposed to stress. One of the responses to stress conditions is the increased need for energy. The ability to cope stress in vital plants  therefore is related to respiratory potential (ETS activity) of certain tissue. Too much stress exerts the decrease in the vitality of tissue and the decrease respiratory potential. The measurements revealed higher respiratory potential in plants thriving under unfavourable conditions, and plants with intensive growth. We determined significant correlation between increased UV-B radiation and  ETS activity.