Impact of summer heat stress inducing physiological and biochemical responses in herbaceous peony cultivars (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) from different latitudes

As global temperatures continue to rise, heat stress and its severity are projected to advance as a major abiotic stress, seriously limiting the growth and production of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), especially in low-latitude areas. Therefore, determining the ravaging effects of heat stress on the growth and development of herbaceous peony has become a prerequisite for expanding the cultivation area of this world-renowned ornamental crop. Comprehensive research on physiological and biochemical responses to summer heat stress was conducted between low-latitude and midlatitude herbaceous peony cultivars at low latitudes. Field observations showed that the stay-green (SG) duration varied among the cultivars from different latitudes and had a direct correlation with the level of heat damage. As the heat stress intensified, chlorophyll (Chl) contents and Chl fluorescence were decreased in the six cultivars. On the contrary, the relative electrical conductivity (REC) increased sharply, with the low-latitude ‘Hang Baishao’ presenting the lowest REC among the six cultivars before August 15 (with the highest temperatures). Photosynthetic curves showed more sustained photosynthesis in ‘Hang Baishao’, ‘Meiju’ and ‘Bo Baishao’. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) and subordinate function value analysis, ‘Hang Baishao’ was deduced as the most heat-tolerant cultivar, whereas ‘Zhuguang’ as a most heat-sensitive cultivar out of the six cultivars. The oxidative stress analysis between the two cultivars indicated an over-accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) with lower antioxidant enzyme activity in ‘Zhuguang’ than ‘Hang Baishao’. The results imply that heat-tolerant ‘Hang Baisao’ exhibited minimal heat damage and a delayed SG duration based on its enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and heat acclimation under high-temperature stress. This study could provide insights into the responses and adaptions of peonies to heat stress and aid in the breeding of excellent peonies with improved heat resistance under ever-changing climatic conditions.