PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE CARBOXYLASE ACTIVITY AND MALATE CONTENT OF SPRUCE NEEDLES OF HEALTHY AND DAMAGED TREES AT 3 MOUNTAIN SITES

Investigations were carried out on the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity and the malate content in spruce trees [Picea abies (L.) Karst] at three natural sites. In needles of damaged spruce the PEPC activity is significantly higher than in needles of undamaged spruce. Therefore, the PEPC activity seems to be a biochemical damage indicator in spruce needles. The increase in PEPC activity in damaged trees is discussed as a repair mechanism to compensate the increased need of carbon skeletons by providing oxaloacetate. The malate content is enhanced in needles of severely damaged trees. An increase in malate seems to indicate senescence reactions and may be related to the regulation function of the cytoplasmatic pH-value.