Relationship between apple peel and the whole fruit antioxidant content: year and cultivar variation

Antioxidants are usually considered with regard to plant defense mechanisms due to the oxidative stress or their importance for human health or both. In the present research, a comprehensive study was made to test the relationship between the antioxidant content in apple peel and the whole fruit in two growing seasons. Antioxidants were mainly localized in the apple peel, but cultivars exhibited very high biodiversity in the distribution pattern. High or very high correlation coefficients between apple peel glutathione reductase and catalase activity as well as ascorbate, glutathione, and anthocyanins concentrations and the whole fruit were discovered on the basis of both fresh and dry weight basis in two growing seasons: 2004 and 2005. In the case of ascorbate peroxidase activity and phenolics or flavonol contents, it was proven only in 2005. It seems that apple peel could be a good marker of health values as well as antioxidant potential of apple fruit. Additional arguments, as compared to the previous study, were incorporated to support the suggestion of glutathione reductase as worth considering as an environmental stress marker and/or signalling molecule.     

Apple peel as a contributor to whole fruit quantity of potentially healthful bioactive compounds. Cultivar and year implication

On the basis of the fresh weight of apple fruit and its peel and the concentration of bioactive compounds, the total quantity of L-cysteine, glutathione, ascorbate, flavonols, and anthocyanins as well as phenolics was evaluated in a wide range of cultivars and two growing seasons. Apple peel as a contributor to the entire apple quantity of the examined components considerably differed in relation to the investigated compounds and was also highly cultivar dependent. A great amount of flavonols was found in apple peel (approximately 40%), followed by ascorbate (approximately 30%) and total phenolics (approximately 20%), while the lowest contribution was assessed for thiols (approximately 11% and 14% for L-cysteine and total quantity of glutathione, respectively), based on average values for both years. Seasonal variations in the quantity of antioxidants was more pronounced in apple peel, whereas the contribution of apple peel to the whole fruit was predominantly affected by the genotype. A very high positive correlation existed between apple peel and the whole fruit quantity of antioxidants.     

耐盐和非耐盐大麦幼苗叶片抗氧化及抗坏血酸–谷胱甘肽循环系统对 NaCl 胁迫的反应差异

【目的】研究NaCl胁迫下,耐盐和非耐盐品系大麦幼苗叶片抗氧化系统及抗坏血酸–谷胱甘肽循环的反应差异。【方法】以耐盐品系12pj-118和非耐盐品系12pj-045为材料进行了水培试验。营养液中设定了6个NaCl浓度:0、100、200、300、400、500 mmol/L。在大麦苗生长至3叶1心时,取样分析测定叶片中活性氧代谢、抗氧化酶活性以及抗坏血酸–谷胱甘肽循环变化。【结果】随着NaCl胁迫的增加,2个品系的O_2~-产生速率、H_2O_2含量和MDA含量均逐渐增加,耐盐品系12pj-118的增幅均小于非耐盐品系12pj-045;SOD、POD、CAT、APX、GR活性、As A含量、GSH含量和As A/DHA比值均呈先上升后下降的趋势。12pj-118的SOD、POD、CAT活性在各NaCl浓度胁迫下的增幅大于12pj-045,降幅小于12pj-045;12pj-118的APX、GR活性在同一盐浓度胁迫下的增幅均大于非耐盐品系12pj-045,降幅小于12pj-045;在各NaCl浓度下,12pj-118的As A含量和As A/DHA比值较对照增幅均大于12pj-045;GSH/GSSG比值呈波状变化,12pj-118在较高NaCl浓度下,仍能够维持较高的GSH含量和GSH/GSSG比值。显示12pj-118较12pj-045有较强的耐盐性。【结论】耐盐和非耐盐品系大麦叶片抗氧化及抗坏血酸–谷胱甘肽循环系统在NaCl胁迫下的反应不同。在一定范围内,随着盐胁迫增强,耐盐品系12pj-118叶片SOD、POD、CAT、APX和GR活性、As A和GSH含量增幅均大于非耐盐品系12pj-045,降幅小于12pj-045,表明叶片抗氧化及抗坏血酸–谷胱甘肽循环系统与大麦幼苗抗盐性密切相关。     

Cd胁迫下绿豆和箭舌豌豆叶片抗氧化系统的变化

研究了Cd胁迫下绿豆（Phaseolus aureus）和箭舌豌豆（Vicia sativa）幼苗的生长,叶片内过氧化氢酶（CAT）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）、超氧化岐化酶（SOD）、愈创木酚过氧化物酶（GPOD）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）的同工酶活性,还原性谷胱甘肽（GSH）和抗坏血酸（ASC）以及Cd含量的变化。结果显示,100μmol.L-1Cd胁迫9d期间,随着Cd胁迫时间的延长,绿豆和箭舌豌豆幼苗主根的伸长量和其根系干重显著降低（P〈0.05）,根表面出现越来越明显的褐色,绿豆叶表面出现可见的褐色斑点;两种植物叶片的CAT、APX和SOD同工酶活性以及绿豆叶片的GR活性呈先升后降的趋势,而两种植物叶的GPOD活性明显增加;在箭舌豌豆叶片中,GR活性随Cd暴露时间的延长而增加,而GSH先降后升;在绿豆叶片中,GSH和ASC随Cd暴露时间的延长而降低;与此同时,两种植物叶片中Cd的含量也随Cd胁迫时间的延长而增加,和箭舌豌豆相比,绿豆叶片中Cd含量增加更多。结果表明,箭舌豌豆有较强的抗氧化能力。     

Antioxidant enzymes and DPPH-radical scavenging activity in chilled and heat-shocked rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings radicles.

Chilling whole rice seedlings at 5 degrees C significantly increased the time needed to recover linear growth and reduced the subsequent linear rate of radicle growth. Subjecting nonchilled seedlings to a 45 degrees C heat shock for up to 20 min did not alter subsequent growth, whereas a 3 min heat shock was optimal in reducing growth inhibition caused by 2 days of chilling. The activity of five antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7)] and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)-radical scavenging activity were measured in heat-shocked and/or chilled radicles. Heat shock slightly increased the activity of CAT, APX, and GR and suppressed the increase of GR and GPX activity during recovery from chilling. Increased CAT, APX, GR, and DPPH-radical scavenging activity and protection of CAT activity during chilling appear to be correlated with heat shock-induced chilling tolerance.     

Relations between sulphur supply and glutathione and ascorbate concentrations in Brassica napus

Under conditions of sulphur deficiency sulphur bound in glucosinolates of Brassica species can be remobilized by enzymatic cleavage. The trigger mechanism for the control of the myrosinase activity is supposed to be related to the ascorbate/glutathione cycle (Schnug & Haneklaus, 1993). Studies investigating the influence of the sulphur supply on glucosinolate, glutathione and ascorbate concentrations in vegetative plant tissues reveal a close relationship between sulphur status and glucosinolate resp. glutathione contents whereas such interdependencies are less distinctive for ascorbate.     

胁迫对菜用大豆种子抗坏血酸-谷胱甘肽循环的影响

采用蛭石栽培,在100 mmol/L NaCl 胁迫下,对耐盐性不同的两个菜用大豆［Glycine max (L.)Merr.］品种种子的过氧化氢（H2O2）含量及抗坏血酸-谷胱甘肽（AsA-GSH）循环进行了研究。结果显示,NaCl胁迫显著增加了菜用大豆种子的H2O2含量,但耐盐品种 绿领特早的增幅低于盐敏感品种理想高产95-1。NaCl胁迫期间,绿领特早种子中抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）、脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶（DHAR）、谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）活性,AsA、GSH含量以及AsA/DHA值和GSH/GSSG值的增幅高于同期的理想高产95-1,或降幅低于同期的理想高产95-1; 脱氢抗坏血酸（DHA）、氧化型谷胱甘肽（GSSG）含量的增幅低于同期的理想高产95-1。表明 绿领特早种子在胁迫期间能够保持较高的AsA-GSH循环效率,可有效地抑制H2O2的积累,这可能是其耐盐性较强的重要原因之一。     

Differential cadmium stress tolerance in wheat genotypes under mycorrhizal association

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi display efficient association with the land plants and is known to protect plants against various abiotic stresses including heavy metal stress. This work reports the synergistic effects of natural genotypic variation and AM association in cadmium (Cd) stress alleviation. Two genotypes of wheat viz. RAJ 4161 (resistant) and PBW 343 (sensitive) were subjected to different concentrations of Cd (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg Cd kg^?1 soil) for 30 days. Cd application resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and decreased plant growth. However, AM inoculated RAJ 4161 displayed significantly higher ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and calcium (Ca), iron (Fe)and zinc (Zn) concentration in plants. The coordination of increased antioxidant activity and high nutrient content in RAJ 4161 indicated better protective mechanism as compared to PBW 343.     

玉米铬毒性研究：氧化损伤、渗透调节物质积累、抗氧化防御以及铬的吸收

Agricultural production systems are immensely exposed to different environmental stresses in which heavy metal stress receives serious concerns. This study was conducted to explore the deleterious effects of different chromium(Cr) stress levels, i.e., 0, 30, 6090, 120, and 150 μmol L-1, on two maize genotypes, Wandan 13 and Runnong 35. Both genotypes were evaluated by measuring their growth and yield characteristics, Cr accumulation in different plant tissues, alterations in osmolyte accumulation, generation o reactive oxygen species(ROS), and anti-oxidative enzyme activity to scavenge ROS. The results showed that Cr stress decreased the leaf area, cob formation, 100-grain weight, shoot fresh biomass, and yield formation, while Cr accumulation in different maize tissues was found in the order of roots leaves stem seeds in both genotypes. The increased Cr toxicity resulted in higher free proline soluble sugars and total phenolic contents, and lower soluble protein contents. However, enhanced lipid peroxidation was noticed in the forms of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance accumulation, and electrolyte leakage. The hyperactivity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, especially glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase indicated that these anti-oxidative enzymes had a central role in protecting maize from Cr toxicity, especially for Wandan 13. Moreover, higher uptake and less translocation of Cr contents into the grains of Wandan 13 implied its importance as a potential candidate against soil Cr pollution.     

Determining the potential to breed for enhanced antioxidant status in Malus: mean inter- and intravarietal fruit vitamin C and glutathione contents at harvest and their evolution during storage

Vitamin C (L-ascorbate, L-ascorbic acid; L-AA) and glutathione (GSH) are major hydrophilic antioxidants in plants with important roles in stress resistance and nutrition. To evaluate the potential for breeding for enhanced levels of these compounds, a comprehensive screen of the fruit from some 31 apple (Malus) cultivars has been carried out to determine the biodiversity present in the mean inter- and intracultivar concentrations of both the oxidized and reduced forms of these compounds, as well as the impact of storage on their concentrations. It is noted that despite limited variation at harvest, cultivars differed substantially in their ability to maintain L-AA levels during storage, primarily due to the loss of L-AA by "low-vitamin C" cultivars. Generally, cultivars that could maintain their L-AA and GSH pools also had better storage properties. Interestingly, there was also a correlation between fruit vitamin C contents and the harvest date, such that cultivars with the highest vitamin C contents were harvested latest in the season and the lowest contents were found among the early varieties. Correlations with other physiological parameters, however, were too weak to serve as useful predictive tools.     

Boron stress,oxidative damage and antioxidant protection in potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Six potato cultivars grown in Turkey in boron-prone areas and differing in their tolerance towards high boron were studied to reveal whether boron causes oxidative stress. To assess stress level, chlorophyll fluorescence and growth parameters were measured. Oxidative damage was assessed as malondialdehyde level, and antioxidant protection was evaluated as ascorbate (AA), dehydroascorbate, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione amounts and superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities. High boron stress affected photosynthesis negatively in a threshold-dependent manner and inhibited growth. No pronounced changes in oxidation of lipids occurred in any cultivar. Activation of APX suggested the involvement of an ascorbic acid–reduced glutathione cycle in the protection against oxidative stress caused by high boron. Efficient work of this antioxidant system was probably hindered by boron complexation with NAD(P)⁺/NAD(P)H and resulted in the inhibition of GR and a decrease in AA and GSH. Hence, oxidative stress associated with high boron is a secondary component of boron toxicity which arises from metabolic changes caused by boron interference with major metabolites. Potato cultivars tolerate excess boron stress well and show damage only in very high boron concentrations. The potato cvs best suited for high boron soils/breeding purposes are cvs Van Gogh and Agria.

Abbreviations: AA: ascorbic acid; APX: ascorbate peroxidase; CAT: catalase; DHA: dehydroascorbic acid; DHAR: dehydroascorbate reductase; DTNB: 5; 5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid; DTT: dithiotreitol; F_v/F_m: photosynthetic efficiency at the dark-adapted state; GR: glutathione reductase; GSH: reduced glutathione; GSSG: oxidized glutathione; MDA: malondialdehyde; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD: superoxide dismutase; TCA: trichloroacetic acid     

H_2S对低温胁迫下甜樱桃柱头和子房AsA-GSH循环的响应

为了探究H_2S对甜樱桃花器官低温伤害的缓解机理,以甜樱桃品种早大果为试材,分析了不同浓度H_2S供体NaHS对低温胁迫下甜樱桃柱头和子房AsA-GSH循环系统的影响。结果表明,喷施0.02、0.05、0.1 mmol·L~(-1)的NaHS均可降低低温胁迫下甜樱桃柱头和子房超氧阴离子(O_2~-)、过氧化氢(H_2O_2)、丙二醛(MDA)含量,显著提高还原型抗坏血酸(AsA)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量(P0.05),降低氧化型抗坏血酸(DHA)和氧化型谷胱甘肽(GSSG)含量,使AsA/DHA和GSH/GSSG比值显著升高(P0.05),以0.05 mmol·L~(-1)NaHS效果最显著;0.02、0.05、0.1 mmol·L~(-1)的NaHS均显著提高低温胁迫下柱头和子房AsA-GSH循环中抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(DHAR)、单脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(MDAR)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPX)和谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶(GST)的活性(P0.05),以0.05 mmol·L~(-1)NaHS提高上述酶活性的幅度最大。NaHS的浓度大于0.2 mmol·L~(-1)不再提高低温胁迫下AsA-GSH循环效率;低温胁迫下添加NaHS的同时添加H_2S清除剂HT可解除H_2S的效果。综上所述,喷施适量外源H_2S可有效降低低温胁迫下O_2~-、H_2O,和MDA积累,提高AsA-GSH循环效率,减轻低温对甜樱桃柱头和子房的氧化伤害。本研究结果为明确H_2S缓解甜樱桃花器官低温伤害作用机制以及生产上花期低温伤害预防提供了理论依据。     

Correlation of antioxidant capacities to oxygen radical scavenging enzyme activities in blackberry

The activities of the oxygen radical scavenging enzymes [glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD)], hydrogen peroxide scavenging enzymes in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle [ascorbate peroxidase (AsA-POD), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR)], the nonenzyme components [ascorbate (AsA), dehydroascorbate (DHAsA), glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG)], and their antioxidant capacity [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)] were measured in the juice of six different thornless blackberry (Rubus sp.) cultivars. The 'Hull Thornless' cultivar contained the highest levels, whereas 'Black Satin' consistently had the lowest activities for all the enzymes tested in this study. ORAC values were also the highest in 'Hull Thornless' and lowest in 'Black Satin'. The highest levels of AsA and DHAsA were in the juice of 'Hull Thornless' blackberries with 1. 09 and 0.15 micromol/g fresh wt, respectively. 'Hull Thornless' also had the highest ratio of AsA/DHAsA among the six blackberry cultivars studied. The 'Smoothstem' cultivar contained the lowest amounts of AsA and DHAsA. 'Hull Thornless' had the highest GSH content with 78.7 nmol/g fresh wt, while 'Chester Thornless' contained the largest amount of GSSG. The highest GSH/GSSG ratio was 4.90 which was seen in the 'Hull Thornless' cultivar. The correlation coefficient between ORAC values and AsA/DHAsA ratios was as high as 0.972. A correlation (r = 0.901) was also detected between ORAC values and GSH content. The antioxidant activity in blackberry juice was positively correlated to the activities of most antioxidant enzymes (r = 0.902 with SOD; r = 0.858 with GSH-POD; r = 0.896 with ASA-POD; and r = 0.862 with GR).     

Major phytochemicals in apple cultivars: contribution to peroxyl radical trapping efficiency

Forty-one samples of apples (peel plus pulp), obtained from eight cultivars, were examined for concentration of some important phytochemicals and for antioxidant activity expressed as peroxyl radical trapping efficiency. Five major polyphenolic groups plus ascorbate were identified and quantified by HPLC in the apple varieties. Oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins were found to be about two-thirds of total polyphenols. The antioxidant efficiency of the apple extracts and of representative pure compounds for each group of phytochemicals was measured in a micellar system mimicking lipid peroxidation in human plasma. Although the amount of polyphenols measured by HPLC is similar to that measured by standard methods, the antioxidant efficiency calculated on the basis of the contribution of the pure compounds was lower than the antioxidant efficiency of the apple extracts. The higher efficiency of apples appears to be strictly related to the overwhelming presence of oligomeric proanthocyanidins.     

Changes in photosynthesis and antioxidant metabolism of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants in response to manganese stress

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the physiological and biochemical responses of cotton plants to manganese (Mn²⁺) nutrition. Four cotton genotypes (G1 – TMG 47; G2 – FM 975 WS; G3 – TMG 11 WS and G4 – IMA 8405 GLT) were grown in nutrient solution under two Mn²⁺ concentrations (2 and 200 µmol L^?1) for 10 days. No visible symptoms of Mn²⁺ toxicity were observed in the genotypes tested. All genotypes showed a marked increase in leaf chlorophylls, pheophytins, carotenoids, sucrose and total sugars concentration in response to high Mn²⁺ in a nutrient solution. However, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal carbon dioxide concentration and transpiration decreased in genotypes G1 and G2 growing under 200 µmol L^?1. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased in genotypes G1, G3 and G4. Cotton genotypes showed an increased leaf antioxidant and sugar metabolism as a possible strategy to mitigate oxidative stress. The decrease in the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance; the increased antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, APX and GR); and the increase in leaf sucrose and total sugar concentration were the main physiological and biochemical responses in cotton plants to Mn²⁺ stress.     

NaCl 胁迫下外源壳聚糖对菜用大豆叶绿体抗氧化系统的影响

【目的】 叶绿体是植物体产生活性氧 (ROS)、且对盐最敏感的细胞器,本试验研究了外源壳聚糖对 NaCl 胁迫下菜用大豆[Glycine max (L.) Merr.]叶绿体内抗氧化系统的影响,以期探讨壳聚糖对 NaCl 胁迫下光合作用的调节机制。 【方法】 试验于 2014 年 4 月至 6 月在内蒙古民族大学试验基地日光温室内进行。采用蛭石栽培,选用菜用大豆盐敏感品种 ‘理想高产 95-1’ (LX)、耐盐品种‘绿领特早’ (LL)为试材。试验设 4 个处理:1) 叶面喷洒清水,根部浇灌营养液 (对照);2) 叶面喷洒壳聚糖溶液,根部浇灌营养液;3) 叶面喷洒清水,根部浇灌溶有 NaCl 的营养液;4) 叶面喷洒壳聚糖溶液,根部浇灌溶有 NaCl 的营养液。 【结果】 外源壳聚糖显著降低了 NaCl 胁迫下两品种菜用大豆叶绿体 H₂O₂的含量,显著提高了过氧化物酶 (POD)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶 (APX）、单脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶 (MDHAR)、脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(DHAR)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶 (GPX)活性以及胁迫中期还原型抗坏血酸 (AsA)、还原型谷胱甘肽 (GSH)含量;与盐敏感品种 LX 相比,耐盐品种 LL 在胁迫 6～15 d 期间维持了相对较低的 H₂O₂含量,相对较高的 DHAR 活性及 AsA 含量,在整个胁迫期间维持了相对较高的 APX、GR、GPX 活性,在胁迫后期(12 d、15 d)维持了相对较高的 GSH 含量。 【结论】 外源壳聚糖对 NaCl 胁迫下菜用大豆叶绿体内 POD 活性及 AsA-GSH 循环产生了显著诱导作用,但对不同品种的诱导效果不同,耐盐品种 LL 的 AsA-GSH 循环维持了相对较强的活性氧清除能力,这可能是其维持较强光合能力,进而维持较旺盛生长的重要原因之一。      

A comparative study on the interference of two herbicides in wheat and italian ryegrass and on their antioxidant activities and detoxification rates

A study was carried out to compare the effects of treating wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) with atrazine and fluorodifen. The herbicides interfered with photosynthesis and dark respiration, depending on the species. Atrazine decreased photosynthesis in both species and dark respiration in wheat, while fluorodifen caused decrements of photosynthetic activity of wheat. Antioxidant enzymes, such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR), were generally more active in untreated and treated wheat with respect to Italian ryegrass, which explains why oxidative damage, expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) content, was only found in ryegrass. Investigations on the activity of herbicide-detoxifying enzyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and on the accumulation and persistence of the herbicides in the plants showed higher detoxification rates in wheat than in the grass.     

Catalase in the heat-induced chilling tolerance of cold-stored hybrid Fortune mandarin fruits

Hybrid Fortune mandarins developed chilling injury (CI) upon cold storage, unless the fruits were conditioned at 37 degrees C for 3 days before they were held at low temperature. This heat treatment induced 2.5-, 1.2-, and 1.4-fold increases in the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), respectively, and reduced the activity of glutathione reductase (GR). The differences in the activities afforded by the heat treatment were, in general, maintained during cold storage. However, SOD levels in nonconditioned Fortune fruits exhibiting CI were similar to those of conditioned fruits stored for 0 or 6 weeks at 2 degrees C. No difference between APX activity in the conditioned and nonconditioned fruits stored for 6 weeks at 2 degrees C was found. The data indicate that CAT may be a major antioxidant enzyme operating in the heat-induced chilling tolerance of cold-stored Fortune mandarin fruits.     

Responses of Components of Antioxidant System in Moongbean Genotypes to Cadmium Stress

Four genotypes (Pusa 9531, Pusa 9072, Pusa Vishal, PS‐16) of moongbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] grown in earthen pots were treated with cadmium at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg kg^?1 soil. Cadmium tolerance (CdT), the ability of a plant to maintain growth at high levels of cadmium (Cd), was calculated as the ratio of dry‐matter production in the untreated and the Cd‐treated soils. The moongbean genotypes showed a differential response to Cd concentrations; Pusa 9531 was identified as Cd tolerant, whereas PS 16 was Cd susceptible. To find out the physiological basis of these differences, we investigated the possible role of antioxidant (enzymatic and nonenzymatic) defense systems. Activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) and the amounts of ascorbate and glutathione were monitored in the Cd‐tolerant and Cd‐sensitive moongbean genotypes. The results revealed the presence of a strong antioxidant defense system in the Cd‐tolerant genotype (Pusa 9531) for providing adequate protection against oxidative stress caused by Cd.     

Effect of varying high temperatures during reproductive growth on reproductive function,oxidative stress and seed yield in chickpea genotypes differing in heat sensitivity

The mechanisms affecting the heat sensitivity of chickpea are largely unknown. Heat-tolerant (ICCV07110, ICCV92944) and heat-sensitive (ICC14183, ICC5912) chickpea genotypes were sown in February in the soil-filled pots. At the time of flowering, these were subjected to varying day/night temperatures of 30/20, 35/25, 40/30 and 45/35°C in the growth chambers (12 h light/12 h dark; light intensity, 250 μmol m^?2 s^?1, 80% relative humidity). The pollen viability, pollen germination, tube growth, pollen load and stigma receptivity decreased with increases in temperatures to 45/35°C. The heat-tolerant genotypes experienced significantly less damage to pollen and stigma function. Membrane integrity, chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency and cellular oxidizing ability were inhibited by the increase in temperature, with greater impacts on the sensitive genotypes. Oxidative injury as lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content was significantly greater in sensitive genotypes at 40/30 and 45/35°C. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants showed increased levels at 40/30°C, but decreased considerably at 45/35°C. Heat-tolerant genotypes possessed greater activity of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase, along with higher levels of ascorbate and reduced glutathione at 40/30 and 45/35°C. Biomass, pod set and yield were not affected significantly at 35/25°C, but began to decrease at 40/30°C and were lowest at 45/35°C. The sensitive genotypes were not able to set any pods at 45/35°C, whereas the tolerant genotypes produced only few fertile pods at this temperature. It was concluded that heat stress leads to loss of pollen as well as stigma function and induces oxidative stress in the leaves that cause failure of fertilization and damage to the leaves, respectively.