Steady sucrose degradation is a prerequisite for tolerance to root hypoxia.

We investigated the role of glycolysis and sucrolysis in the difference in tolerance to root hypoxia between two Myrtaceae tree species, Melaleuca cajuputi (which shows superior tolerance to root hypoxia) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (which does not). Analysis of the adenylate energy charge (AEC) in roots subjected to a 4-day hypoxic treatment (HT) in hydroponic culture revealed that the interspecies difference in tolerance corresponds to the ability to maintain energy status under root hypoxia: AEC was reduced by HT in E. camaldulensis, but not in M. cajuputi. The energy status in HT roots of E. camaldulensis was restored by feeding of glucose (Glc) but not sucrose (Suc). These data provide evidence that low substrate availability for glycolysis resulting from an impairment of sucrolysis suppresses ATP production under hypoxic conditions in this species. Measurements of the rates of O2 consumption and CO2 production in roots indicated that E. camaldulensis, but not M. cajuputi, failed to activate fermentation in HT roots. These results cannot be attributed to enzymatic dysfunction, because no inhibition of main glycolytic and fermentative enzymes was observed in both species, and Glc feeding had a beneficial effect on AEC of HT roots of E. camaldulensis. The impairment of sucrolysis was demonstrated by inhibited soluble acid invertase activity in HT roots of E. camaldulensis. In contrast, there was no inhibition in all sucrolytic enzymes tested in HT roots of M. cajuputi, suggesting that steady Suc degradation is essential for maintaining high energy status under root hypoxia. We conclude that root sucrolysis is one of the essential factors that determines the extent of tolerance to root hypoxia.