Effect of seasonal and regional variations on the physio-biochemical parameters of Artemisia campestris (L.) in arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria

Seasonal and regional variations in biochemical and physiological parameters of Artemisia campestris (L.) were investigated. The quantification of proline by the formation of a coloured complex was done by coupling proline with ninhydrin. The determination of soluble sugars and the extraction of chlorophyll from the leaves were carried out. The seasonal average leaf proline concentration of plants from the arid region was higher than that from the semi-arid region. The more the seasonal temperature increases, the greater the concentration of proline, as with the concentrations of soluble sugars in the two study regions. The distribution and accumulation of certain minerals (e.g. Sodium and Potassium) in the plant can be modified to increase resistance to heat stress.