Variations in the proline and total protein contents in Origanum sipyleum L. from different altitudes of Spil mountain,Turkey

Soil samples and leaves of origanum sipyleum l.,were collected from 5 different altitudes of spil mountain situated in the state of manisa in the west anatolian part of turkey. the soils were analysed to determine ph,organic matter content,calcium carbonate and other chemical constituents. the photosynthetic pigment,proline and total protein contents of leaves were also determined. results obtained showed that o. sipyleum grows on sandy-loam soils,rich in organic matter content,with ph varying between 6.11-6.97. it prefers slightly acidic and neutral soils,rich in n and p,but poor in k. the physiological analyses revealed that total protein and proline contents increased whereas photosynthetic pigment decreased at 520 and 790m altitudes. all parameters decreased at 1020 and 1150m altitudes. a statistically significant correlation was observed at higher altitudes.