Influence of Salicylic Acid and Jasmonic Acid on Wheat Under Drought Stress

Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid play an important role in plants coping with abiotic stresses. An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid on wheat under drought. Seeds were primed with jasmonic acid (100µM) and salicylic acid (10 Mm). Water stress was applied by withholding water and each treatment was replicated three times with a factorial block design. Application of Salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid mitigated drought effects in wheat. Results revealed that 100µM Jasmonic acid was more effective than 10 mM SA. Drought decreased germination by 26%, whereas application of Jasmonic acid and Salicylic acid ameliorated stress with the increase of germination by 27% and 21%, respectively. An increase in the shoot length of 23% and 20% was observed with Jasmonic acid and Salicylic acid, under drought conditions. The increase in water potential was 60% and 47% with JA and SA while the increase in proline and soluble sugar was 14% and 25% respectively. The application of Jasmonic acid and Salicylic acid has a potential to enhance the growth of wheat plants under drought.     

外源水杨酸对黑麦草幼苗盐胁迫的缓解效应研究

系统分析了黑麦草幼苗在0.2、0.4、0.6和0.8 mmol L-1水杨酸分别与150 mmol L-1 Na Cl盐胁迫复合作用下的生长指标与生理生化指标特征,探究了外源水杨酸对黑麦草幼苗盐胁迫的缓解效应。结果表明:施加不同浓度的外源水杨酸均能够显著缓解盐分对黑麦草幼苗的胁迫效应,盐胁迫下施加外源水杨酸,可使得黑麦草幼苗株高,地上、地下部分鲜重和干重均相对增加;加强了植物体内抗氧化酶系统,表现为超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性显著提高;减弱了细胞膜脂过氧化作用并降低了质膜破坏程度,表现为细胞质膜透性和丙二醛含量均显著降低。0.6 mmol L-1是所设置的浓度梯度中最佳的水杨酸施用浓度;与单独150 mmol L-1 Na Cl盐胁迫相比,黑麦草幼苗株高增加43.38%,地上部分鲜、干重分别增加37.92%和31.36%,地下部分鲜、干重分别增加25.46%和15.32%;胁迫处理第3天,SOD活性增加17.20%,第9天,丙二醛(MDA)含量降低27.60%。     

盐胁迫下两种基因型冬小麦萌发过程中钠离子吸收及对碳、氮代谢的影响

采用两种基因型冬小麦种子为试验材料,研究了盐胁迫对小麦种子萌发过程中Na 的吸收和累积及其对C、N代谢的影响及外源Ca(NO3)2和CaCl2对小麦萌发过程中盐害的缓解效应。结果表明,150mmol/L NaCl胁迫明显抑制小麦种子的萌发。种子萌发过程中,"小偃6号"的耐盐性优于"陕229"。外源钙对两种小麦盐胁迫效应的缓解作用不同。6mmol/L钙离子可明显减轻"陕229"的盐害作用,对"小偃6号"作用不大。盐胁迫对种子萌发过程中的蛋白酶和淀粉酶活性具有明显抑制作用。盐胁迫下,"小偃6号"种子的蛋白酶和淀粉酶活性明显高于"陕229"。钙离子对盐胁迫下小麦萌发过程胚乳内蛋白酶的活性有较大调节作用,对淀粉酶活性影响较小。盐胁迫下小麦种子中Na 含量显著增加,K/Na比显著降低。钙离子对盐胁迫下小麦种子中Na 累积的影响较大,盐胁迫和外源钙处理对K 含量影响较小。     

聚乙二醇引发对盐胁迫下棉种萌发及生理特性的影响

为提高棉花在盐胁迫下的出苗率,争取全苗、壮苗,以棉花种子为试验材料,使用蒸馏水和5%、10%、15%聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)进行6、12、24 h引发,根据发芽势(GP)和发芽率(GR)筛选出最适引发条件。后续以未引发种子为对照,使用筛选出的最佳引发条件进行引发,分别于4个NaCl浓度(0、50、100、150 mmol·L^-1)下进行萌发,研究种子引发对盐胁迫下棉种萌发和生理特性的影响。结果表明,使用5% PEG-6000引发12 h为最佳引发条件,并且在后续的NaCl胁迫下同样表现突出。在不同浓度的NaCl胁迫下,引发后种子的GP、GR、发芽指数(GI)和活力指数(Ⅵ)均较未引发出现了显著提高。对萌发7 d棉种形态特征的研究发现,下胚轴长度和根长在不同浓度的NaCl胁迫下分别提高了17.95%~30.37%和12.93%~74.96%。种子生理指标的测定结果表明,经过引发的棉种萌发7 d其根系活力提高了6.84%~39.32%;萌发2、4、6 d,种子超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性与未引发种子相比同样出现了较大幅度的提升;而种子内部的H₂O₂、丙二醛(MDA)含量却降低,说明PEG引发可以通过增强种子内部抗氧化酶活性和缓解膜脂过氧化程度来提高棉种的耐盐能力。本研究为提高棉花在盐胁迫下的出苗率提供了简单、有效的方法。     

Salicylic acid alleviates the toxicity effect of cadmium on germination,seedling growth,and amylase activity of rice

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy‐metal pollutant in the environment. Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential component of plant resistance to pathogens and also plays an important role in mediating plant responses to some abiotic stresses. In the present investigation, the potential effects of SA in alleviating Cd toxicity during seedling stage of rice were studied. Seeds of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Xiushui 11) were sterilized and divided into two groups. Half of the seeds were presoaked in 0.1 mM SA solution for 24 h, then both groups were allowed to germinate under various Cd concentrations for 7 d. Cadmium treatments caused a gradual decrease in vigor index, root length, α‐amylase activity, and the mitotic index of root tips. However, pretreatment with SA partially alleviated the negative effect of Cd on germination parameters and increased enzyme activity and mitotic index. Cadmium uptake by seedlings increased with increasing Cd concentration and followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. Salicylic acid pretreatment of seeds influenced the Cd level in the seedlings by decreasing V_max. The results suggest that SA plays a positive role in rice‐seed germination and early seedling growth by protecting it against Cd toxicity.     

乳酸菌胞外多糖对逆境胁迫下水稻种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

为探究乳酸菌胞外多糖浸种对酸、盐胁迫条件下水稻生长发育的影响,采用室内恒温培养试验,研究不同浓度乳酸菌胞外多糖对水稻种子萌发及相关生理代谢指标的影响。结果表明,采用不同浓度胞外多糖浸种可以显著提高逆境胁迫下水稻种子的发芽势、发芽率及发芽指数,促进水稻根系生长,随着胞外多糖浓度的升高,对水稻种子萌发的促进作用呈先升高后降低趋势;胞外多糖浓度为200 mg·L^-1时,缓解逆境胁迫伤害效果最为显著;pH值为3.0的酸胁迫下,与不添加胞外多糖相比,水稻种子的发芽势、发芽率及发芽指数分别提高了178.2%、38.7%和114.4%;7 mg·mL^-1NaCl胁迫下,发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数分别提高了152.9%、73.8%、103.0%,且差异均达显著水平(P<0.05);胞外多糖浸种可显著降低各胁迫下水稻幼芽丙二醛(MDA)含量,不同程度地提高过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)等抗氧化酶活性,同时胞外多糖对经过逆境胁迫的水稻种子播种后生长的幼苗也具有一定的促进作用,可缓解逆境胁迫对水稻造成的毒害。本研究为微生物源物增强作物抗逆性研究提供了理论依据。     

Salicylic Acid–Induced Growth and Biochemical Changes in Salt‐Stressed Wheat

The interactive effect of salicylic acid and sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. ‘Inqlab’ (salt‐sensitive) and cv. ‘S‐24’ (salt‐tolerant) was studied in a sand‐culture pot experiment in a net house. Wheat seeds soaked in water and 100 ppm salicylic acid solution for 6 h were sown in sand salinized with 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl. Pots were irrigated with quarter‐strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. Fourteen‐day‐old seedlings were harvested, and growth parameters (leaf and root length, leaf and root dry weight) were recorded. Chlorophyll a and b content; soluble sugar (reducing, nonreducing, and total sugars) content; nitrate (NR) and nitrite reductase activity (NiR); soluble proteins, and total soluble amino acid content of fresh leaves were determined. Sodium chloride salinity significantly reduced growth parameters. Salicylic acid treatment alleviated the adverse salinity effect on growth. Salinity decreased the chlorophyll a and b content and chlorophyll a/b ratio in both varieties, but a decrease in the chlorophyll a/b ratio was less in salt‐tolerant wheat variety (‘S‐24’), which could be a useful marker for selecting a salt‐tolerant variety. Salinity (NaCl) stress considerably increased the accumulation of reducing sugars, nonreducing sugars, and total soluble sugars in leaves of 14‐day‐old wheat seedlings of both varieties. The salt‐tolerant variety (‘S‐24’) accumulated a higher sugar content, which also could be a useful marker for selecting a salt‐tolerant variety for slat‐affected areas. Salinity caused a reduction in nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase activity. The salt‐tolerant variety (‘S‐24’) showed resistance to a decrease of nitrate reductase activity under salinity. This could be a useful criterion for selecting salt‐tolerant varieties. In response to salinity, wheat seedlings accumulated soluble proteins and amino acids, which might reflect a salt‐protective mechanism.     

RESPONSES OF SOME ENZYMES AND KEY GROWTH PARAMETERS OF SALT-STRESSED MAIZE PLANTS TO FOLIAR AND SEED APPLICATIONS OF KINETIN AND INDOLE ACETIC ACID

The study examined the effects of kinetin (KIN) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) applied as seed treatment or sprayed on leaves of salinity stressed plants. Five -week old maize (Zea mays L. cv. ‘DK 647 F1’) plants were grown in pots containing peat and perlite in 1:1 (v/v) mixture. Different treatments used were: 1) control (nutrient solution alone), 2) salt stress [100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)], 3) 100 mM NaCl and 1 mM kinetin (KIN), 4) 100 mM NaCl and 2 mM KIN, 5) 100 mM NaCl and 1 mM indole acetic acid (IAA), 6) 100 mM NaCl and 2 mM IAA, 7) 100 mM NaCl and 25 mg L^?1 KIN and 8) 100 mM NaCl and 25 mg L^?1 IAA. In treatments 7 and 8 application was to the seeds, for treatments 3-6 it was applied to foliage. The seeds were soaked in KIN or IAA solution for 12 h. Salt stress reduced the total dry matter, chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC), but increased proline accumulation, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD; EC. 1.11.1.7), catalase (CAT; EC. 1.11.1.6) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO; 1.10.3.1) and electrolyte leakage. Both foliar applications of KIN and IAA treatments overcame to variable extents the adverse effects of NaCl stress on the above mentioned physiological parameters. However, seed treatments with KIN or IAA did not improve salinity tolerance in maize plants. Furthermore, foliar application or seed treatments with KIN and IAA reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the salt stressed-plants. Salt stress lowered some macronutrient concentrations [calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) in leaves and roots, phosphorus (P) in roots] but foliar application of both KIN and IAA increased Ca in both leaves and roots and P in leaves. Foliar application of IAA increased K concentrations in leaves of the salt-stressed plants. Foliar application of KIN and IAA, especially at 2 mM concentration, counteracted some of the adverse effects of NaCl salinity by causing the accumulation of proline and essential inorganic nutrients as well as by maintaining membrane permeability.     

野燕麦繁殖和抗逆特性及其对小麦的他感效应研究

作为一种分布广泛的农田恶性杂草,野燕麦具有很强的环境胁迫适应能力,并且在种间竞争中常处于优势地位。本试验对野燕麦种群的繁殖与扩散特性、种子与幼苗抗逆特性及其根系分泌物对小麦的异株克生作用进行了研究,以期为找寻治理野燕麦的有效措施提供参考。结果表明:(1)野燕麦具有很强的种子繁殖与扩散能力,开花结实比小麦早,种子产量大、地下储量多、扩散距离远;(2)野燕麦种子对温度的适应范围较广,在室温与变温条件下均可以正常萌发,而冷冻后置于室温环境是其萌发最佳条件,总发芽率可达93.33%;(3)野燕麦种子对盐胁迫具有一定的适应性,在浓度低于1.8%的NaCl溶液中均可正常萌发;(4)野燕麦幼苗对盐胁迫和干旱胁迫具有较强的适应性,随着NaCl浓度和PEG浓度的升高,野燕麦幼苗叶片的脯氨酸含量显著增加(P0.01),过氧化氢酶活性呈现先增加后下降的趋势;(5)野燕麦根系水浸提液对小麦幼苗株高、干重、根长及根系活力均有极显著影响(P0.01),证明野燕麦根系分泌物对小麦幼苗生长具有异株克生作用。以上结果表明,野燕麦的竞争优势主要体现在强大的繁殖扩散能力、较强的抗逆性以及异株克生效应,相关研究可为大田野燕麦防除提供一定理论参考。     

Seed priming to mitigate the impact of elevated carbon dioxide associated temperature stress on germination in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT

Climate change has a negative impact on crop production by inducing several stresses throughout plant growth. As the germination is one of the critical stages, this study was to assess the impact of elevated carbon dioxide (eCO₂) and associated temperature stress on germination of rice. The study was conducted using the rice genotype CO 51 in artificially induced eCO₂ condition using open-top chamber (OTC). The efficiency of seed priming treatment with salicylic acid (SA), citric acid (CA), ascorbic acid (AsA) and distilled water (hydropriming) to alleviate stress due to eCO₂ and temperature were also studied. SA 25 mg l^?1 and AsA 100 mg l^?1 enhanced germination, other seed quality parameters along with α- amylase activity. Also, the activity of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase was increased. These parameters positively affected the germination and growth by mitigating the effect of oxidative stress induced under eCO₂ conditions. So, SA, CA and AsA can be effectively used for maintaining seed quality parameters and seedling growth during the stresses.     

种子引发对NaCl胁迫下小麦幼苗生理特性的影响

以耐盐性强的晋农207和耐盐性弱的运麦218两个冬小麦品种种子为试材,用20%的PEG及100mmol/L的KNO3水溶液对种子进行引发处理.研究模拟NaCl胁迫环境下引发处理对小麦种子发芽、幼苗耐盐性及幼苗生理特性的影响.结果表明:两种引发处理不同程度地提高了2个品种小麦的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数和活力指数;使2个小...     

Amelioration of Heavy-Metal Toxicity in Cauliflower by Application of Salicylic Acid

The important role of salicylic acid in response to different stresses is to modify and decrease the negative effects of stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the amelioration of heavy-metal (HM) stress in cauliflower cv. Shubra by application of different concentrations of salicylic acid. In heavy-metal (cobalt, nickel, cadmium, chromium, and lead) stress, apart from appearance of visual symptoms, HM toxicity reduced dry weight and specific activity of catalase and increased the concentration of lipid peroxidation, proline, nonprotein thiol, electrolyte leakage percentage, and specific activity of peroxidase and superoxidase dismutase. Application of salicylic acid reverts back all parameters disturbed by HM stress. As opposed to other HMs, salicylic acid enhanced chromium toxicity effects in plants, showing synergism and the plants died. Application of salicylic acid (100 mM) ameliorated toxic effects of HMs to some extent, showing antagonism in cauliflower.     

甘蓝型油菜幼苗对NaCl胁迫的抗氧化应答

本文主要研究了甘蓝型油菜幼苗对NaCl胁迫的抗氧化应答情况。结果表明,在200mmol／L NaCl胁迫下,随着胁迫时间的延长,油菜幼苗叶片的相对含水量逐渐下降,细胞内的电解质渗出物逐渐增多,电导率逐渐升高;POD、SOD和CAT三种抗氧化酶活性在开始时都逐渐提高,24h后达到最大值,随后逐渐降低。对NaCl胁迫过程中这三种抗氧化酶基因进行实时荧光定量PCR分析,分析结果显示这三种抗氧化酶基因的表达与其酶活性的变化一致。因此,NaCl胁迫诱导了POD、SOD和CAT三种抗氧化物酶基因的过量表达,抗氧化酶活性相应提高,从而在一定程度上提高了植物对NaCl胁迫的耐受能力。     

Water stress and accumulation of beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus)

Grass pea seedlings were grown in an irrigated field. Roots of 15-day-old seedlings were treated with PEG, and leaves were studied. With the duration of PEG treatment, changes in the lipid peroxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase as well as contents of hydrogen peroxide and beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) were assayed. The results indicate that with the duration of PEG treatment, activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase decreased, whereas contents of hydrogen peroxide and ODAP, extent of lipid peroxidation, and activity of glutathione reductase increased. Both diethyldithiocarbamate and aminotriazole strongly inhibit activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, respectively. At same time, the extent of lipid peroxidation was obviously increased. However, mannitol decreased the extent of lipid peroxidation. Diethyldithiocarbamate, aminotriazole, and mannitol do not affect the accumulation of ODAP. The observations suggest that there is no direct relationship between the accumulation of ODAP and the metabolism of free radicals. In addition, the relationship between water stress and ODAP accumulation in grass pea is discussed.     

铀矿浸出液胁迫对绿豆种子萌发和幼苗生长及其抗氧化酶活性的影响

采用培养皿光照培养箱培养方法,研究了不同浓度铀矿浸出液胁迫对绿豆种子的萌发、幼苗及其根系的早期生长以及体内超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性的影响。结果表明,铀矿浸出液的浓度≤10％时,胁迫对绿豆种子的萌发率没有影响,但加快了种子的萌发势,显著激发了绿豆幼苗及其根系的生长（P〈0．05）;浓度〈10％时,铀矿浸出液胁迫显著增加了绿豆幼苗及其根系SOD的活性（P〈0．05）,但它们的CAT活性接近对照;浓度=10％时,铀矿浸出液胁迫显著增加了幼苗及其根系CAT的活性（P〈0．05）;浓度=100％时,铀矿浸出液胁迫显著抑制了种子的萌发势（P〈0．05）,最终的萌发率只能达到60％,幼苗及其根系不能正常堆长．它们的SOD和CAT活怀远远低于对照。     

Alleviation of Salt Stress in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.) Seedlings Through the Application of Liquid Seaweed Extracts of Fucus spiralis

Many research studies have shown the importance of seaweed extract (SWE) in alleviating stress damage to plants. In this study, we examined the effect of liquid SWEs made from brown seaweed, Fucus spiralis, on germination, growth, antioxidant enzymes and some biochemical attributes of durum wheat under different levels of NaCl concentrations. Application of SWE at different concentrations (5, 10, 25, and 50%) significantly enhanced seed germination and growth parameters under salt stress, especially with 25% of seaweed liquid extract. Results show that the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased with increasing the algal extract concentration to 50%. Therefore, algal treatment is proved to be an effective technique to improve the growth of wheat seedlings under salt stress conditions. This study provides important information on the identification and utilization of seaweed resources for agriculture and it is the first study to report on the uses of this macroalgae as biostimulants in agriculture.

Abbreviations TG: total germination (%); SL: shoot length (cm); SFW: seedling fresh weight (g); SDW: seedling dry weight (g); TC: total carotenoids (mg/g.FW); TSP: total soluble proteins (mg/g.FW); SSC: soluble sugars content (mg/g.FW); TPC: (µg equivalent AG/mg DW); CAT: catalase (U mg^?1 protein); SOD: superoxide dismutase (U mg^?1 protein); APX: ascorbate peroxydase (U mg^?1 protein).     

Relation of Toxicity in Corn Seeds Treated with Zinc and Salicylic Acid

The beneficial effect of corn seed treatment with zinc (Zn) is directly related to the source used. The excess of this micronutrient causes seedling stress and reduces growth. Thus, assuming that the use of exogenous phytohormones can minimize such effects, we evaluated different doses and sources of Zn for the treatment of maize seeds with or without salicylic acid. The experiment took place in the laboratory, and two factorial experiments, 2 × 4 + 1, were performed in a randomized design. The seeds were treated with either ZnO or ZnSO₄ at doses of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 g.kg^?1 seed with four replications, differing only by the addition of 4.14 mg L^?1 salicylic acid. Treating seeds with Zn and salicylic acid did not affect germination. ZnO led to a greater increase in dry mass in corn seedlings as compared with zinc sulfate, especially at higher doses (2 and 3 g kg^?1 seed). Seed treatment with sulfate reduces root and shoot length, and salicylic acid did not attenuate this toxic effect. Dry mass is not affected when oxide is used. Salicylic acid reduces the accumulation of zinc in the treatment of corn seeds, regardless of the source used.     

Effects of silicon on the growth of maize seedlings under normal,aluminum, and salinity stress conditions

The effects of silicon on seed germination and growth parameters of maize seedlings under normal, aluminum (Al), and sodium chloride (NaCl) stress conditions were investigated. The results indicated a dose-dependent relationship between silicon and growth parameters, except for germination attributes.Application of silicon (2 mM) accelerated amylase activity, decreased abscisic acid content, and increased indoleacetic acid and gibberellic acid contents of seedling, The results suggest that the beneficial effects of silicon, at least in part, are mediated by the balance of phytohormones. Exposure to Al (10 mM) significantly decreased all growth parameters of maize seedlings. Application of 2 mM silicon, however, alleviated Al stress and restored almost all growth attributes. Decrease of Al absorption, increase of fructan content, and improvement of amylase activity were considered as the mechanisms of ameliorative function of silicon in Al-stressed maize seedlings. Exposure to silicon, however, did not show beneficial effects on growth parameters of maize seedlings under salt stress conditions.     

Effectiveness of potassium in mitigating the salt-induced oxidative stress in contrasting tomato genotypes

To check the efficacy of potassium in alleviating oxidative stress under salt stress, salt-tolerant (Indent-1) and salt-sensitive (Red Ball) tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes were exposed to three levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) (0, 75, 150 mM) and two levels of potassium (4.5 and 9 mM) in solution and foliar form. Thirty days of treatments revealed that increasing NaCl stress increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and correspondingly the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and glutathione reductase GR) in both genotypes. However, higher potassium (K) level in solution or foliar spray during the salt-induced stress decreased MDA and antioxidant activity and increased the growth in salt-tolerant genotype than in the salt-sensitive genotype. Decrease in MDA concentration, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increase in the growth of tomato plants by the application of potassium under salt stress suggest that potassium is an effective ameliorating agent against salt-induced oxidative damage.     

Physiological and biochemical effects of boron toxicity in mustard during the seedling stage

A study was conducted to determine the physiological and biochemical effects of boron in seedlings of mustard (Brassica juncea L. var Varuna). For this seeds were sown in petridishes with varying concentrations of boron (0, 0.33, 3.3, 33, 330 mM) in seed germinator. Seed germination and vigor index was found to be decreased and percentage phytotoxicity was increased in seeds with increase in the concentration of boron in germinating solution. There was accumulation of sugars and decreased starch concentration in cotyledons and embryonic axes of growing seedling with increasing boron stress. For the estimation of oxidative damage in cotyledons and embryonic axes of mustard seedlings, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), phenols and activities of antioxidative enzymes- polyphenoloxydase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were determined. Boron toxicity caused accumulation of H₂O₂, TBARS and phenols and affected the antioxidative enzyme activity in growing seedling components.