Validity of photo-oxidative stress markers and stress-related phytohormones as predictive proxies of mortality risk in the perennial herb Plantago lanceolata

Oxidative stress and hormonal regulation are hallmarks of a/biotic responses in plants. However, little is known about their linkage with whole-organismal mortality long-lived species. Here, we examined the validity photo-oxidative markers stress-related phytohormones as predictive proxies risk perennial herb Plantago lanceolata. Capitalizing on its broad ecological niche, (Fv/Fm ratio, contents chlorophylls, carotenoids, tocochromanols, extent lipid peroxidation) (ABA, salicylic acid jasmonates contents) three populations sub-tropical Mediterranean habitats: Virginia (VA, U.S.A.), Catalonia (CAT, Spain), Queensland (QLD, Australia). Stress were measured together vital rates survival, growth, reproduction a total 279 individuals. marker data collected during summer death/survival was monitored after two four months. Whole-organism similarly high both non-native (ca. 30 % drought VA QLD), but lower native population 10 CAT). The antioxidants (lutein, zeaxanthin, ?-carotene) de-epoxidation state xanthophyll cycle (DPS) good QLD. DPS all carotenoid per unit chlorophyll months advance dead than alive plants QLD, thus suggesting reduced photoprotective capacity increased populations. We show that P. lanceolata associated to enhance photoprotection under abiotic conditions. various discussed.