Foliar application of silicon at different growth stages alters growth and yield of selected wheat cultivars

To evaluate the response of some selected wheat cultivars to silicon application at different growth stages under drought stress, an experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran, during 2012 using a completely randomized factorial design with four replications. Experimental treatments included drought stress (100% F.C. as control and 40% F.C. as drought) and foliar application of 6 mM sodium silicate (control, application at mid tillering stage, at anthesis stage, and application at tillering + anthesis stages) and wheat cultivars (Sirvan and Chamran, relatively drought-tolerant, and Shiraz and Marvdasht, drought-sensitive cultivars). Drought stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content, leaf area, relative water content, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biomass of all wheat cultivars. Furthermore, drought stress increased electrolyte leakage of the flag leaves of all cultivars. In contrast, foliar-applied silicon significantly increased these parameters and reduced electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, highest positive influence of silicon application was observed at combined use of silicon both at the tillering + anthesis stages in wheat plants under both stress and non-stress conditions. Significant differences were found in physiological responses among wheat cultivars. The drought tolerant cultivars (Sirvan and Chamran) had significantly higher growth and yield than those of drought sensitive cvs. Shiraz and Marvdasht under drought stress. In conclusion, foliar application of silicon especially at the tillering + anthesis stages was very effective in promoting resistance in wheat plants to drought conditions by maintaining cellular membrane integrity and relative water content, and increasing chlorophyll content.     

Jasmonic acid alleviates negative impacts of cadmium stress by modifying osmolytes and antioxidants in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

We examined the role of jasmonic acid (JA) in faba bean under cadmium (Cd) stress, which reduces the growth, biomass yield, leaf relative water content (LRWC) and pigment systems. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels increased by 2.78 and 2.24-fold, respectively, in plants under Cd stress, resulting in enhanced electrolyte leakage. Following foliar application to Cd-treated plants, JA restored growth, biomass yield, LRWC and pigment systems to appreciable levels and reduced levels of H₂O₂, MDA and electrolyte leakage. Proline and glycine betaine concentrations increased by 5.73 and 2.61-fold, respectively, in faba bean under Cd stress, with even higher concentrations observed following JA application to Cd-stressed plants. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase levels rose by 87.47%, 130.54%, 132.55% and 37.79%, respectively, with Cd toxicity, with further enhancement of antioxidant activities observed following foliar application of JA. Accumulation of Cd in roots, shoots and leaves was also minimized by external supplementation of JA. In conclusion, JA mitigates the negative impacts of Cd stress in faba bean plants by inhibiting the accumulation of Cd, H₂O₂ and MDA, and by enhancing osmolyte and antioxidant activities that reduce oxidative stress.     

Salicylic acid improves the antioxidant ability against arsenic-induced oxidative stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedling

The present study investigated the potential role of external salicylic acid (SA) in alleviating Arsenic (As) toxicity in sunflower leaves. The exposure of plants to 10 µM As inhibited biomass production and intensively increased the accumulation of As in both roots and leaves. The levels of some important parameters associated with oxidative stress, namely lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production were increased. SA application alleviated the negative effect of As on growth and led to decrease in oxidative injuries. Furthermore, SA application led to higher activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase, and concomitantly decreased superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase activities. As important antioxidants, ascorbate and glutathione contents in sunflower leaves exposed to As were significantly decreased by SA treatment. These results reveal that SA is more effective in alleviating As toxicity at higher concentrations than that at lower concentrations.     

Significance of sulfur in heat stressed cluster bean (Cymopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub) genotypes: responses of growth,sugar and antioxidative metabolism

A sand culture experiment was carried out to study the effects of sulfur deprivation on heat stress tolerance of two cluster bean (Cymopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub) cultivars (GC-1 and Pusa Nau Bahar (PNB)). Three weeks old sulfur-starved and sulfur-supplemented plants were subjected to heat stress (45°C/35°C) treatment for 24 h. Total dry weight, chlorophyll content, Chlorophyll a:b ratio, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, H₂O₂ content, sugar, glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P), fructose-6-phosphate (F-6-P), ascorbate and glutathione concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) were monitored, at the end of the heat stress treatment. Heat stress enhanced and sulfur starvation depleted the contents of sugar metabolites, but the accumulation of sugar, G-6-P and F-6-P were not related with heat stress tolerance. Antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and CAT were influenced significantly more by sulfur starvation than heat stress. The results showed that under heat stress, the addition of sulfur helps to mitigate the oxidative damage in both the cultivars. However, GC-1 was more heat tolerant as it was characterized by significantly higher total dry weight, chlorophyll content, ascorbate and glutathione content and lower H₂O₂, MDA, electrolyte leakage than PNB.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the growth and phosphorus uptake of mung bean plants fertilized with composted rock phosphate fed dung in alkaline soil environment

Abstract

Inoculation effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on phosphorus (P) transfer from composted dung of cattle with a diet supplemented with powdered rock phosphate (RP) and their successive uptake by mung bean plants was assessed in alkaline soil. The efficacy of composted RP fed dung alone or/and in combination with AMF inoculums containing six different species were compared with SSP in six replicates per treatment in pots. The results showed that the association of AMF with composted RP fed dung had a positive effect on mung bean shoot (3.04?g) and root (2.62?g) biomass, chlorophyll (a, b), carotenoid contents and N (58.38?mg plant^?1) and P (4.61?mg plant^?1) uptake. Similarly, the percent roots colonization (56%) and nodulation of mung bean plant roots and their post-harvest soil properties were also improved by the inoculation of AMF together with composted RP fed dung. It is concluded that the combined application of AMF with composted RP fed dung has almost the same effect as SSP for improving mung bean plants growth and their nutrients uptake. Moreover, AMF inoculants can be used as a suitable biofertilizer in combination with locally available organic sources of fertilizers for improving P status and growth of plants in alkaline soils.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and rhizobacteria affect the physiology and performance of Sulla coronaria plants subjected to salt stress by mitigation of ionic imbalance

Salt stress has become a major menace to plant growth and productivity. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Rhizophagus intraradices) in combination or not with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Pseudomonas sp. (Ps) and Bacillus subtilis) on the establishment and growth of Sulla coronaria plants under saline conditions. Pot experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and S. coronaria seedlings were stressed with NaCl (100 mM) for 4 weeks. Plant biomass, mineral nutrition of shoots and activities of rhizosphere soil enzymes were assessed. Salt stress significantly reduced plant growth while increasing sodium accumulation and electrolyte leakage from leaves. However, inoculation with AMF, whether alone or combined with the PGPR Pseudomonas sp. alleviated the salt‐induced reduction of dry weight. Inoculation with only AMF increased shoot nutrient concentrations resulting in higher K⁺: Na⁺, Ca²⁺: Na⁺, and Ca²⁺: Mg²⁺ ratios compared to the non‐inoculated plants under saline conditions. The co‐inoculation with AMF and Pseudomonas sp. under saline conditions lowered shoot sodium accumulation, electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to non‐inoculated plants and plants inoculated only with AMF. The findings strongly suggest that inoculation with AMF alone or co‐inoculation with AMF and Pseudomonas sp. can alleviate salt stress of plants likely through mitigation of NaCl‐induced ionic imbalance, thereby improving the nutrient profile.     

外源硒对镉胁迫下绿豆幼苗生理特性的影响

采用水培试验方法研究不同浓度Se4+(0.8,1.6,2.4,3.2,4.0mg/L)对Cd2+(10,20mg/L)胁迫下绿豆幼苗超微弱发光及幼苗叶片中叶绿素、可溶性蛋白质和脯氨酸的影响。结果表明,随着胁迫时间延长,不同浓度Se4+对2种浓度Cd2+胁迫下绿豆幼苗的超微弱发光强度均呈现先升高后降低再升高的趋势,0.8,1.6mg/L的Se4+对2种浓度Cd2+胁迫下绿豆幼苗的超微弱发光强度均有促进作用,但是1.6mg/L浓度的Se4+对2种浓度Cd2+的缓解作用最佳。随着Se4+浓度的增加,2种浓度Cd2+胁迫下,绿豆幼苗叶片中叶绿素含量和可溶性蛋白质含量均呈现出先增加又减小的趋势,当Se4+浓度低于4.0mg/L时,叶绿素含量和可溶性蛋白质含量均高于单一Cd2+胁迫下叶绿素含量和可溶性蛋白质含量,且在Se4+浓度为1.6mg/L时达到最大。在10mg/L Cd2+胁迫下,随着Se4+浓度的增加,绿豆幼苗叶片中的脯氨酸含量先增加后减小,当Se4+浓度低于4.0mg/L时,脯氨酸含量高于单一Cd2+胁迫下脯氨酸含量,且Se4+浓度为1.6mg/L时脯氨酸含量达到最大;在20mg/L Cd2+胁迫下,随着Se4+浓度的增加,绿豆幼苗叶片中的脯氨酸含量逐渐降低,当Se4+浓度低于2.4mg/L时,脯氨酸含量高于单一Cd2+胁迫下脯氨酸含量,且Se4+的浓度为0.8mg/L时脯氨酸含量最大。研究表明在试验浓度范围内,Se4+浓度低于2.4mg/L时,对10,20mg/L Cd2+胁迫下的绿豆幼苗的毒害均有缓解作用,且浓度为1.6mg/L时缓解作用最佳。     

缺硼对绿豆叶片光合特性和碳水化合物含量的影响

本试验以绿豆为指示植物,采用溶液培养法研究了缺硼对叶片光合功能和碳水化合物含量的影响,以明确缺硼是否影响光合作用进而影响作物生长。在绿豆第二片真叶出现后的第二天,一半植株供给 50 mol/L 硼（高硼）,另一半植株供给0.2 mol/L 硼（低硼）,在叶片生长过程中动态监测叶绿素含量、 气体交换和碳水化合物含量。结果表明,缺硼对叶片叶绿素含量没有影响,缺硼降低了光合速率（Pn）和气孔导度（Gs）,但对胞间二氧化碳浓度（Ci）没有影响; 缺硼提高了气孔限制率（Ls）。虽缺硼降低了Pn,但提高了叶片中可溶性糖,特别是葡萄糖和淀粉的含量。本研究结果表明缺硼对植物生长的影响并非是由于碳水化合物缺乏的缘故,而是因降低库活力导致了Pn的降低。     

Investigation of the changes in low molecular weight organic acids and other physiological parameters by nitric oxide application in two wheat cultivars exposed to boron stress

Boron (B) is one of the essential nutrients for the growth of plants, but its high concentrations are toxic for plants. Thus, B toxicity is a big challenge in crop cultivation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small signaling molecule that has cytoprotective roles in plants. We investigated whether exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which is a NO donor, may succeed to alleviate B-induced toxicity in wheat cultivars. Seedlings were grown for 10 days in a growth chamber at 25°C with 16 hr light–8 hr dark photo cycle. After high B application, the effects of SNP on growth parameters; electrolyte leakage (EL); changes in reactive oxygen species [contents of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline]; the activities of antioxidant enzymes [glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] and nitrate reductase (NR); and low molecular weight organic acid (LMWOAs) contents and also chlorophyll and total carotenoid contents were investigated in both shoots and roots of two different wheat cultivars. All experiments were carried out in triplicate. 0.2 mM SNP application ameliorated the chlorophyll and total carotenoid contents, and growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, and fresh weight in both wheat cultivars exposed to B stress. SNP reduced the B-induced lipid peroxidation, EL, and proline and H₂O₂ content in wheat cultivars. SNP application also increased the activities of NR and antioxidant enzymes, including GSHPx, GR, and GST in wheat cultivars exposed to B toxicity. All of the tested LMWOAs including succinic, propionic, butyric, oxalic, formic, malic, malonic, and benzoic acids were increased by SNP treatment in the shoots and roots of both wheat cultivars exposed to B toxicity. In conclusion, results obtained from this study have demonstrated that interactive effects of SNP with B considerably reduced the toxic effects of B in wheat cultivars.     

Silicon alleviates nickel toxicity in cotton seedlings through enhancing growth,photosynthesis, and suppressing Ni uptake and oxidative stress

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a well-known and economically most beneficial crop worldwide while nickel (Ni) toxicity is a widespread problem in crops grown on Ni-contaminated soils. We investigated the response of silicon (Si) in cotton under Ni stress with respect to growth, biomass, gas exchange attributes, enzymatic activities, and Ni uptake and accumulation. For this, plants were grown in hydroponics for 12 weeks with three levels of Ni (0, 50, and 100 µM) in the presence or absence of 1 mM Si. Results showed that Ni significantly reduced the plant growth, biomass, gas exchange attributes, and pigment contents while Si application mitigated these adverse effects under Ni stress. Nickel stress significantly decreased antioxidant enzymes’ activities while increased malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and electrolyte leakage (EC) in leaves and roots. The application of Si enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced MDA, H₂O₂, and EC in plants. Nickel application significantly increased Ni concentration and accumulation in leaf, stem, and roots while Si application significantly decreased Ni in these plant parts. The present study indicates that Si could improve cotton growth under Ni stress by lowering Ni uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by increasing antioxidant enzymes activities.     

Foliar-applied trehalose modulates growth,mineral nutrition,photosynthetic ability,and oxidative defense system of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under saline stress

A tub experiment was conducted to assess the effect of exogenously applied trehalose (0, 10, and 20 mM) on various attributes of two rice cultivars (Bas-385 and Bas-2000) under salt stress (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM). Salinity decreased growth, gas exchange characteristics, shoot and root potassium (K⁺) ions, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), total soluble proteins, activity of catalase (CAT), and yield attributes, while it increased chlorophyll contents, shoot and root sodium (Na⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺), malondialdehyde (MDA), glycinebetain (GB), free proline, and peroxidase (POD) activity. Foliar-applied trehalose improved growth attributes, net photosynthetic rate, GB, total soluble proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and yield. Yield was not obtained at 150 mM salt stress. The rice cultivar Bas-2000 showed better performance with respect to gas exchange attributes and activities of enzymatic antioxidants. Overall, varying levels of foliar-applied trehalose proved to be effective in ameliorating adverse effects of salt stress on rice.     

Growth and antioxidant responses in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants subjected to combined effect of gibberellic acid and salinity

The effects of salt stress on plant growth parameters, lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), glutathione reductase (GR; EC EC 1.6.4.2) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) activity] were studied in the leaves of mustard. Plants were exposed to two different concentrations of NaCl stress (100 and 150 mM) for 45 days and were sprayed with GA₃ (75 ml pot^?1, conc. 75 mg l^?1) once a week. Salt stress resulted in decrease in the growth and biomass yield of mustard but the exogenous application of GA₃ enhanced these parameters significantly. Application of GA₃ counteracted the adverse effects of NaCl salinity on relative water content, electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll (Chl) content. GA₃ was sufficient to attenuate partially the stimulatory effect of NaCl supply on proline and glycinebetaine biosynthesis. GA₃ reduced lipid peroxidation in the leaves, which was increased during salt stress. The activity of all the antioxidant enzymes was increased significantly during salt stress in mustard. The exogenous application of GA₃ decreased the enzyme activity. The results of the present study indicate that usage of GA₃ reduces the harmful effects of salinity and increases resistance to salinity in mustard plant.     

Phosphorus amendment decreased cadmium (Cd) uptake and ameliorates chlorophyll contents,gas exchange attributes,antioxidants, and mineral nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Cd stress

A 28-day pot (sand culture) experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) application in alleviating Cd phytotoxicity in wheat plants. Different levels of P (0, 10, and 20 kg ha^?1) were applied without and with 100 µM Cd. The results showed that 100 µM Cd concentration decreased plant biomass, chlorophyll contents, gas exchange attributes, and mineral nutrients in wheat plants. Cadmium stress increased tissue Cd and H₂O₂ concentrations. The activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), peroxidase (POD) enzymes, increased while the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbic acid (AsA), α-tocopherol, and phenolics decreased under Cd stress. Phosphorus supply increased shoot biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, and mineral nutrients and decreased Cd and H₂O₂ concentrations in shoots. Phosphorus application improved antioxidant enzyme activities and gas exchange attributes which emerged as an important mechanism of Cd tolerance in wheat. We conclude that P application contributes to decreased Cd concentrations in wheat shoots and increased gas exchange attributes and antioxidant enzymes and could be implemented in a general scheme aiming at controlling Cd concentrations in wheat for sustained production of this important grain crop.     

钙离子通过调节抗氧化酶活性保护NaCl对菊芋的毒害

The ameliorative effect of external Ca^2＋ on Jerusalem artichoke （Helianthus tuberosus L.） under salt stress was studied through biochemical and physiological analyses of Jerusalem artichoke seedlings treated with or without 10 mol L^-1 CaCl2, 150 mmol L^-1 NaCl, and/or 5 mmol L^-1 ethylene-bis（oxyethylenenitrilo）-tetraacetic acid （EGTA） for five days. Exposure to NaC1 （150 mmol L^-1） decreased growth, leaf chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate of Jerusalem artichoke seedlings. NaC1 treatment showed 59% and 37% higher lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage, respectively, than the control. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD）, and catalase （CAT） were decreased by NaCl, indicating an impeded antioxidant defense mechanism of Jerusalem artichoke grown under salt stress. Addition of 10 mmol L^-1 CaCl2 to the salt solutions significantly decreased the damaging effect of NaC1 on growth and chlorophyll content and simultaneously restored the rate of photosynthesis almost to the level of the control. Ca^2＋ addition decreased the leaf malondialdehyde （MDA） content and electrolyte leakage from NaCl-treated seedlings by 47% and 24%, respectively, and significantly improved the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in NaCl-treated plants. Addition of EGTA, a specific chelator of Ca2＋, decreased the growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis, and increased level of MDA and electrolyte leakage from NaCl-treated plants and from the control plants. EGTA addition to the growth medium also repressed the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in NaCl-treated and control seedlings. External Ca2＋ might protect Jerusalem artichoke against NaC1 stress by up-regulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thereby decreasing the oxidative stress.     

大气CO2浓度升高对绿豆生长发育与产量的影响

研究大气CO2浓度升高对绿豆影响,有助于人们了解未来气候变化后绿豆生产的变化,以提前采取必要的应对措施趋利避害.本研究利用FACE(Free Air CO2 Enrichment)系统在大田条件进行了绿豆生长发育及产量受CO2浓度升高影响的试验.结果表明:大气CO,浓度升高后,绿豆叶面积、株高、节数、茎粗增加;倒数第一...     

Effect of Foliar Salicylic Acid Applications on Growth,Chlorophyll, and Mineral Content of Cucumber Grown Under Salt Stress

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of foliar salicylic acid (SA) applications on growth, chlorophyll, and mineral content of cucumber grown under salt stress. The study was conducted in pot experiments under greenhouse conditions. Cucumber seedlings were treated with foliar SA applications at different concentrations (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mM). Salinity treatments were established by adding 0, 60, and 120 mM of sodium chloride (NaCl) to a base complete nutrient solution. The SA was applied with spraying two times as before and after transplanting. Salt stress negatively affected the growth, chlorophyll content and mineral uptake of cucumber plants. However, foliar applications of SA resulted in greater shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight as well as higher plants under salt stress. Shoot diameter and leaf number per plant increased with SA treatments under salt stress. The greatest chlorophyll content was obtained with 1.00 mM SA treatment in both saline and non-saline conditions. Leaf water relative content (LWRC) reduced in response to salt stress while SA raised LWRC of salt stressed cucumber plants. Salinity treatments induced significant increases in electrolyte leakage. Plants treated with foliar SA had lower values of electrolyte leakage than non-treated ones. In regard to nutrient content, it can be interfered that foliar SA applications increased almost all nutrient content in leaves and roots of cucumber plants under salt stress. Generally, the greatest values were obtained from 1.00 mM SA application. Based on these findings, the SA treatments may help alleviate the negative effect of salinity on the growth of cucumber.     

Salt-Induced Stress Effects on Biomass,Photosynthetic Rate,and Reactive Oxygen Species-Scavenging Enzyme Accumulation in Common Bean

We studied the effects of salinity stress on biomass production, photosynthesis, water relations, and activity of antioxidant enzymes in two cultivars of common bean (‘HRS 516’ and ‘RO21’). Seedlings were raised in nutrient solution supplemented with increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) at 0, 50, and 100 mM. After 10 days of salinity treatment, the plants were sampled to determine the enzyme activity, protein content and dry biomass. Plant biomass and activities of most antioxidant enzymes were adversely affected by salinity stress. Leaf osmotic potential was found to be directly proportional to salt stress. The cultivar, ‘HRS 516’ accumulated less sodium (Na⁺) than ‘RO21’. Under salinity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity increased 3 folds in both bean cultivars (‘HRS 516’ and ‘RO21’) compared to other antioxidants (APX, CAT, and GR). While not neglecting other possible factors, photosynthesis and biomass remains reliable indicators of plant functioning in response to salinity stress.     

Biochemical and physiological adaptations of the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L., (Aizoaceae) to salinity

Sesuvium portulacastrum is a dicotyledonous halophyte. The responses of different clones of Sesuvium to salinity were analysed by measuring changes in growth, biomass accumulation, water content, osmolytes accumulation, oxidative damage, antioxidant enzymes and inorganic ions. In addition, microscopic observations were made to discern any changes in the stem anatomy of Sesuvium under salt stress. Reduced growth, biomass accumulation and tissue water content correlated with an increase in NaCl concentrations (200–800 mM), except at 200 mM NaCl, where an improvement in the parameters was observed among all clones, specifically in MH1 (Maharashtra). Increased osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine and total soluble sugars) and the accumulation of Na⁺ ions, without affecting K⁺content, were recorded in all clones. Higher malondialdehyde content and greater relative electrolyte leakage were evident in addition to increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities under salt stress. Increased cortical cell size and cortex diameter of the stem were observed upon 200–400 mM NaCl stress; decreased thickness was seen at higher NaCl concentrations. This study suggests the differential behaviour of Sesuvium clones which might be useful in the rapid selection of a potent clone (such as MH1) for the restoration of wetlands and desalination of saline soils.     

Silicon modulates the metabolism and utilization of phenolic compounds in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) grown at excess manganese

Cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Chinese long) were grown in nutrient solution with increasing manganese (Mn) concentrations (0.5, 50, and 100 µM) with (+Si) or without silicon (–Si) supplied as silicic acid at 1.5 mM. High external Mn supply induced both growth inhibition of the whole plant and the appearance of Mn‐toxicity symptoms in the leaves. The application of Si alleviated Mn toxicity by increasing the biomass production. Although the total Mn concentration in the leaves did not differ significantly between +Si and –Si plants, symptoms of Mn toxicity were not observed in Si‐treated plants. The concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly in the leaf extracts of cucumber plants grown at high external Mn concentrations, differed from those of plants grown without Si. The increased tissue concentrations of phenols (e.g., coniferyl alcohol, coumaric and ferulic acids) were in agreement with enhanced enzymes activities, i.e., peroxidases (PODs) and polyphenol oxidases (PPO) in the tissues of –Si plants. The activities of both enzymes were kept at a lower level in the tissue extracts of +Si plants grown at high external Mn concentrations. These results suggest that Si nutrition modulates the metabolism and utilization of phenolic compounds mainly at the leaf level, most probably as a consequence of the formation of Si‐polyphenol complexes.     

Physiological and biochemical effects of salicylic acid on Pisum sativum exposed to isoproturon

In the present study, attenuation of isoproturon (IPU) toxicity by salicylic acid (SA) was observed. Seven-day-old seedlings of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Azad P-1) were treated with 10 mM IPU. IPU influenced physiological and biochemical parameters. IPU significantly inhibited growth variables like shoot and root height, fresh and dry biomass of the pea. The contents of carotenoids, chlorophylls, protein and activity of nitrate reductase were inhibited significantly. IPU enhanced the accumulation of H₂O₂, ion leakage and lipid peroxidation due to induction of oxidative stress in pea. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase increased while the activities of guaiacol peroxidase decreased. However, exogenous SA regulated the toxic effects of IPU. The indices of oxidative stress appeared to be alleviated by SA. Pigment content and activities of enzymes increased approximately up to the level of control. IPU caused non-target phytotoxicity to P. sativum. The natural growth regulator/allelochemical has potential to overcome the adverse effects caused by IPU.

Abbreviations: CAT: catalase; EL: electrolyte leakage; IPU: isoproturon; LP: lipid peroxidation; MDA: malondialdehyde; NR: nitrate reductase; POD: guaiacol peroxidase; SOD: superoxide dismutase; TCA: trichloroacetic acid