Characterization of markers to determine the extent and variability of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. A metabolic profiling approach.

Comparison of the extent of leaf senescence depending on the genetic background of different recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is described. Five RILs of the Bay-0 x Shahdara population showing differential leaf senescence phenotypes (from early senescing to late senescing) were selected to determine metabolic markers to discriminate Arabidopsis lines on the basis of senescence-dependent changes in metabolism. The proportion of gamma-aminobutyric acid, leucine, isoleucine, aspartate, and glutamate correlated with (1) the age and (2) the senescence phenotype of the RILs. Differences were observed in the glycine/serine ratio even before any senescence symptoms could be detected in the rosettes. This could be used as predictive indicator for plant senescence behavior. Surprisingly, late-senescing lines appeared to mobilize glutamine, asparagine, and sulfate more efficiently than early-senescing lines. The physiological basis of the relationship between leaf senescence and flowering time was analyzed.