Effects of five kinds of phenolic acid on the function of mitochondria and antioxidant systems in roots of Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings

Apple replant disease ( ARD) is a biological syndrome that occurs in sites where the same or closely related tree species have been planted previously. It is common in all major apple-growing regions of the world. The problems caused by ARD are typically expressed as reductions in plant growth and development, inhibition of root system development, with a subsequent shortened productive life and reduced yields. Research suggests that ARD is complex and can be induced by many factors. Excessive accumulation of phenolic substances is one of the most important factors. Therefore, studying phenolic acid inhibition of apple trees would provide a scientific and theoretic basis for understanding ARD and enrich research on the continuous cultivation of apple trees. To understand the phytotoxic mechanisms induced by phenolic acids involved in this phenomenon, Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings were planted in sand and treated with five phenolic acids ( phloridzin, phloretin, cinnamic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and phl