Effect of Chilling Stress on Synthesis of Antioxidant Enzymes, Osmotic Adjustment Substances and Membrane Lipid Peroxide Levels in Two White Clover Cultivars

Although white clover has been widely studied and applied, less is known about its physiological responses to chilling stress in northern China. The effects of acclimation time of chilling stress in the two white clover cultivars, Rivendel and Haifa, after exposure to 4℃ for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h were investigated. Seven physiological indexes were measured in shoots of the two cultivars. It was found that Rivendel had a strong ability to maintain the stability of cells, cope with oxidative damage and accumulate osmotic adjustment substances compared with Haifa. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation on the chilling tolerance of the two cultivars based on subordinate function value analysis showed a stronger chilling tolerance of Rivendel than Haifa.