Photoperiodic regulation of a 24-kD dehydrin-like protein in red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.) in relation to freeze-tolerance

A predominant 24-kD dehydrin-like protein was previously found to fluctuate seasonally within red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.) stems. The current study attempted to determine what environmental cues triggered the accumulation of the 24-kD protein and to assess its potential role in winter survival. Controlled photoperiod and field studies confirmed that photoperiod regulates a reduction of stem water content (SWC), freeze-tolerance enhancement and accumulation of the 24-kD protein. Diverse climatic ecotypes, which are known to respond to different critical photoperiods, displayed differential reduction of SWC and accumulation of the 24-kD protein. A time-course study confirmed that prolonged exposure to short days is essential for SWC reduction, 24-kD protein accumulation, and freeze-tolerance enhancement. Water deficit induced 24-kD protein accumulation and enhanced freeze-tolerance under long-day conditions. In all instances, freeze-tolerance enhancement and 24-kD protein accumulation was preceded by a reduction of SWC. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that C. sericea responds to decreasing photoperiod, which triggers a reduction in SWC. Reduced SWC in turn may trigger the accumulation of the 24-kD protein and a parallel increase in freeze-tolerance.