葡萄根系钙处理对叶片镉伤害的保护作用

以巨峰葡萄扦插幼苗为试材,通过根部处理,研究氯化镉（CdCl₂） 处理下,氯化钙（CaCl₂）对叶片的保护作用。结果表明：0.5 mmol·L^-1 CdCl₂处理能够显著增加叶片H₂O₂和MDA（丙二醛）含量以及质膜透性,显著抑制叶片CAT（过氧化氢酶）活性、降低呼吸速率和质膜H⁺-ATPase、Ca²⁺ATPase活性。0.5 mmol·L-1 CaCl2处理显著抑制由CdCl₂引起的叶片MDA和H₂O₂含量以及电解质渗漏率的升高,显著减轻CdCl₂对叶片CAT活性、呼吸速率以及质膜H⁺-ATPase和Ca²⁺-ATPase活性的抑制。这些结果显示,根部应用0.5 mmol·L^-1的CaCl₂能够缓解CdCl₂对葡萄叶片造成的伤害。     

Physiological and biochemical responses for two cultivars of Pisum sativum (“Merveille de Kelvedon” and “Lincoln”) to iron deficiency conditions

The aim of this work was to compare the tolerance and the physiological responses to Fe deficiency of two Pisum sativum cultivars (“Merveille de kelvedon” and “Lincoln”) commonly cultivated in Tunisia. We studied the effects of Fe deficiency on: (i) chlorophyll content, relative growth rate (RGR) and Fe status, (ii) rhizosphere acidification, (iii) changes under Fe-deficient conditions in the activities of two root enzymes, the first related to the proton extrusion (H⁺-ATPase) and the second to iron reduction mechanism (Fe(III)-chelate-reductase: FCR). Three treatments were used: C, control, complete nutrient solution (CNS) containing 30 μM Fe; DD, direct deficiency, CNS without iron; ID, indirect deficiency, CNS containing 30 μM Fe + lime. Fe deficiency led to a significant decrease of chlorophyll content in both cultivars. The below reduction was observed in Fe-deficient plants of Merveille de Kelvedon. In addition, relative growth of shoots and whole plant was not affected by Fe deficiency. H⁺-ATPase and FCR activities were more stimulated in Merveille de Kelvedon than in Lincoln, under DD and ID Fe deficiency. The capacity of this cultivar to maintain plant growth and to preserve adequate chlorophyll synthesis under iron-limiting conditions is related to its better Fe-use efficiency, in addition to its high acidification and root reducing capacities. This allows us to suggest that Merveille de Kelvedon is more effective in overcoming Fe deficiency than Lincoln.     

高温锻炼和水杨酸预处理对热激下葡萄叶肉细胞超微结构的影响

 以‘京秀’葡萄(Vitis vinifera L. ‘Jingxiu’) 幼苗为试材, 研究了高温锻炼或水杨酸预处理对热激后叶肉细胞超微结构的影响。结果表明, 热激后细胞结构明显被破坏, 高温锻炼预处理对叶肉细胞造成了轻微的伤害, 但延缓了之后的热激对叶肉细胞超微结构的进一步伤害, 主要表现在质膜、液泡膜、细胞核和叶绿体等部位。水杨酸预处理对叶肉细胞结构无明显影响, 并在之后的热激下细胞结构的受伤程度远低于蒸馏水处理。这说明, 高温锻炼或水杨酸预处理保持了叶肉细胞结构在高温下的稳定性, 从而提高了葡萄幼苗的抗热性。     

外源乙烯对草莓果实微粒体Ca2+- ATPase活性和膜脂过氧化的调节

 以乳白期‘春星’草莓(Fragaria ananassa Duch．‘Chunxing’)果实为试材，研究了经钙调素(CaM)拮抗剂三氟拉嗪(TFP)、氯丙嗪(CPZ)各100 µmol·L^-1 和钙通道阻塞剂异博定(Verapamil)100 µmol·L^-1 预处理后再用乙烯(50 µL·L^-1 )处理的草莓果实中微粒体“Ca²⁺-ATP酶活性、O₂ 产生速率和MDA含量的变化。结果表明，外源乙烯对微粒体膜O₂ 产生速率无显著影响，处理早期提高微粒体膜Ca²⁺- ATPase总活性，对MDA含量影响不大；后期加速微粒体膜Ca²⁺- ATPase总活性下降，但仍保持较高的MDA含量和线粒体膜Ca²⁺-ATPase活性。CPZ、TFP和Verapamil预处理降低了上述乙烯处理下Ca²⁺- ATPase活性和MDA含量，但对微粒体膜O 产生速率亦无显著影响，这说明细胞内Ca²⁺-和CaM 可能参与了乙烯诱导的膜Ca²⁺-ATP酶活性与膜脂过氧化水平的调节。     

低温胁迫下北海道黄杨叶肉细胞Ca2+和Ca2+-ATPase的变化

 利用焦锑酸钙沉淀和硝酸铅沉淀的电镜细胞化学方法,以室温生长的北海道黄杨植株为对照,研究了人工4 ℃低温胁迫过程中北海道黄杨（Euonymus japonicus‘Cuzhi’）叶肉细胞Ca²⁺和Ca²⁺-ATPase的动态变化。在4 ℃低温胁迫的初期（3 ~ 12 h）,北海道黄杨叶肉细胞间隙和液泡内的Ca²⁺沉淀颗粒减少,而细胞质和细胞核内的Ca²⁺水平升高,但Ca²⁺-ATPase在细胞的分布几乎没有变化,主要分布在质膜和液泡膜上,有较高的活性;低温胁迫24 h,细胞质和细胞核内增加的Ca²⁺开始回到细胞间隙和液泡中,Ca²⁺-ATPase在质膜和液泡膜上活性增强;在低温胁迫48 ~ 96 h,细胞内的Ca²⁺又回到低温胁迫前的低水平,但Ca²⁺-ATPase在质膜和液泡膜上仍有很高的活性。叶肉细胞内Ca²⁺稳态平衡和Ca²⁺-ATPase的活性变化与植物的抗寒性存在一定的相关性。     

Calcium increases sodium exclusion in olive plants

‘Picual’ olive cuttings were grown in a greenhouse under saline conditions in 2 L plastic pots containing perlite. Plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution plus 75 mM NaCl and 0, 2.5, 10 or 40 mM CaCl₂. Vegetative growth, leaf and root Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentrations were measured. Na⁺ toxicity symptoms were observed in plants non-treated with Ca²⁺. Shoot length was higher in Ca²⁺ treated plants, although shoot growth was reduced at 40 mM CaCl₂, probably due to the high total ion concentration reached in the external solution. Ca²⁺ supply linearly increased leaf and root Ca²⁺ concentration and decreased leaf Na⁺ concentration. However, there were no differences in root Na⁺ concentration. Results indicate Ca²⁺ may take part in the Na⁺ exclusion mechanism, mainly preventing Na⁺ transport to the shoot, that may be an important ability for survival under saline conditions.     

Effects of exogenous salicylic acid and nitric oxide on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves of Brassica napus L. under nickel stress

The effects of nickel in combination with salicylic acid (SA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of nitric oxide (NO) on 21-day-old canola plants were evaluated. Exposure to 0.5 mM NiCl₂·6H₂O for 10 days resulted in toxicity symptoms such as chlorosis and necrosis at leaves. Addition of 0.2 mM SA or 0.2 mM SNP slightly reduced the toxic effects of nickel. After application of both SA and NO, these symptoms considerably decreased. Treatment with Ni resulted in a decrease in dry weight of roots and shoots and chlorophyll content of leaves. In Ni-treated plants, level of lipoxygenase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂ and proline contents significantly increased, while the activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase decreased in leaves. The results indicated that Ni caused an oxidative stress in canola plants. The Ni-stressed plants exposed to SA or NO, especially to SA + NO, exhibited an improved growth as compared to Ni-treated plants. SA or NO, especially both together considerably reduced root-to-shoot translocation of Ni and increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in leaves of Ni-stressed plants. Interaction of SA and NO improved the chlorophyll content and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ and proline accumulation in leaves. These results suggest that SA or NO in particular their combination counteract the negative effects of Ni on canola plants.     

Exogenous CaCl2 reduces salt stress in sour jujube by reducing Na+ and increasing K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in different plant organs

In this study, we investigated the effects of 10 mM CaCl₂ on membrane permeability, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ concentrations in different organs of sour jujube grown under 150 mM NaCl stress. Our results showed 73% leaf wilting in the Na treatment. The Na treatment significantly increased leaf superoxide (O₂^.?) production rates, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations, cell membrane permeability, MDA concentrations, and Na⁺ concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves. The Na treatment significantly reduced K⁺, Ca²⁺,and Mg²⁺ concentrations in roots, but increased K⁺ concentrations in stems. Compared with the Na treatment, 39% of the leaves showed wilting symptoms in the Na+Ca treatment. The Na+Ca treatment significantly decreased leaf O₂^.? production rates, H₂O₂ concentrations, cell membrane permeability, and MDA concentrations. Moreover, the Na+Ca treatment (1) significantly reduced Na⁺ concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves; (2) significantly increased root K⁺ concentrations; (3) significantly increased K⁺/Na⁺ ratios in roots; (4) significantly increased Ca²⁺ concentrations in stems and leaves, and Mg²⁺ concentrations in roots. In conclusion, exogenous CaCl₂ reduces NaCl stress in sour jujube by reducing Na+ concentrations and increasing K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ concentrations in various plant organs.     

钙- 钙调素对水杨酸诱导葡萄幼苗耐热性的影响及与抗氧化的关系

 研究了钙- 钙调素(Ca²⁺-CaM) 对水杨酸( SA) 诱导葡萄幼苗耐热性的影响, 以及抗氧化酶、MDA、CaM和Pro在这一过程中的变化。结果表明: (1) 外源SA可提高葡萄幼苗的耐热性, 而Ca²⁺可促进SA对耐热性的诱导。但是, Ca²⁺螯合剂EGTA、Ca²⁺通道抑制剂La³⁺以及CaM拮抗剂W7对SA诱导的耐热性产生抑制作用。高温热激后, SA或SA加Ca²⁺处理促进叶片内CaM的积累, EGTA、La³⁺或W7则抑制CaM的积累。(2) 高温下, SA通过维持高水平的SOD和CAT的活性, 降低MDA含量来抵抗高温造成的氧化胁迫; 外源Ca²⁺可促进SA对SOD和CAT的诱导, 而EGTA、La³⁺或W7则产生相反的作用。高温前后, 各处理叶片内的POD和APX的活性并没有明显的变化。(3) SA或SA加Ca²⁺处理可增加叶片中的Pro含量, 并在高温下维持较高的水平。高温后, 各抑制剂处理叶片中的Pro含量与对照无明显差异。结果表明, Ca²⁺可调控SA诱导的耐热性, 而且在此过程中, 要求细胞外的Ca²⁺穿过质膜进入胞内, 并有抗氧化酶和Pro的参与。     

Copper distribution and ionic form effects for postharvest treatments of cut Acacia holosericea stems

A short postharvest life is the major constraint associated with cut Acacia flowers and foliage. Treatment with CuSO₄ (Cu²⁺) has previously been shown to improve the longevity of cut Acacia holosericea stems. Towards refining the treatments, a range of Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺ salts were assessed for relative efficacy in improving vase life and water relations of A. holosericea. Five hour pulses with the Cu²⁺ salts CuSO₄, CuCl₂, (CH₃COO)₂Cu and Cu(NO₃)₂ at 2.2 mM gave equally longer vase lives by ∼2.5-fold over deionised water (DIW) and standard tap water (STW) controls. The same Cu²⁺ salts at 0.5 mM in the vase solution also gave significantly (P < 0.05) improved vase life, relative fresh weight and water uptake compared to the DIW control. For Cu²⁺ versus Cu⁺, optimum concentrations with Cu²⁺ could not be directly compared due to the low solubility of the Cu⁺ salt CuCl. However, Cu⁺ from CuCl at 0.415 mM also had positive effects on vase life compared to the DIW control. Thus, both Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺ treatments can enhance vase life parameters for cut A. holosericea foliage. The benefits were irrespective of the counter ion and, thus, Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺per se were responsible. The most effective Cu²⁺ pulse treatment decreased stomatal conductance of phyllodes initially, but did not cause sustained stomatal closure. Cu accumulated to greater levels in basal stem and phyllode tissues than in upper stem and phyllode tissues of cut A. holosericea stems. Possible mechanisms of Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ action are discussed.     

Calcium starvation increases salt susceptibility in olive plants but has no effect on susceptibility to water stress

Summary

The responses of leaf water status, growth, and ion concentrations to water or to saline stresses were compared in olive cuttings of different Ca²⁺ status. Mist-rooted ‘Picual’ olive cuttings were grown in a greenhouse in 2 l plastic pots containing perlite. A nutrient solution with or without 2.5 mM CaCl₂ was initially used to irrigate the plants. When the Ca²⁺-starved plants differed in height from the Ca²⁺-treated plants, water or saline stress (i.e., no irrigation or 75 mM NaCl, respectively) were applied. The results indicated that Ca²⁺ increased growth in saline-treated plants, but not in water-stressed plants. After 98 d growth, the stresses were relieved and the plants were irrigated again with or without Ca²⁺. Growth increased and leaf water status was increased during this recovery period, but no direct effects of Ca²⁺ were observed in the response of plants to stress-relief. We suggest that the beneficial effect of Ca²⁺ on tolerance to salt stress in olive plants was related to protection against Na⁺ toxicity, because there was no response of water-stressed plants to the supply of Ca²⁺.     

硝酸钙处理对菊花扦插生根及抗氧化酶活性的影响

以切花菊品种‘万盛’为材料,研究了不同浓度Ca(NO₃)₂处理对菊花扦插生根及其过程中插穗叶片超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）活性以及膜质过氧化产物丙二醛（MDA）含量的影响。结果表明,60 mg·L^-1 Ca²⁺处理的生根数最多,而且插穗鲜样质量和干样质量也比对照明显增加,而80 mg·L^-1Ca²⁺处理的生根数、插穗鲜样质量和干样质量以及生根率比对照减少。60 mg·L^-1 Ca²⁺处理的SOD、POD、CAT和APX活性与其它处理相比显著增加,MDA含量明显减少。以上结果表明,在菊花扦插过程中,采用适当浓度的Ca2+处理可以提高插穗叶片SOD、POD、CAT和APX等保护酶的活性和降低MDA含量,从而促进菊花扦插生根,并提高扦插苗品质。     

水杨酸对高温胁迫下及恢复期间葡萄幼苗叶片光合机构PSⅡ的影响

以葡萄京秀(Vitisvinifera L.cv.Jingxiu)幼苗为试材,用0.1mmol·L-1水杨酸喷施葡萄幼苗,进行高温胁迫(43℃,5h),然后进行恢复处理(25℃,4d),在此处理过程中利用便携式脉冲调制式荧光仪(FMS-2型)和植物效率分析仪测定葡萄叶片光合机构PSⅡ的荧光参数,探讨了水杨酸能否减轻高温胁迫对葡萄叶片PSⅡ的抑制或伤害。结果表明,一定程度的高温胁迫抑制了葡萄叶片光合机构PSII(包括供体侧和受体侧以及反应中心)的功能,外施水杨酸不能减轻PSⅡ受到的直接高温伤害,但是能够使PSII功能恢复的更快,从而最终减轻了高温伤害。     

The effects of sodium chloride on ornamental shrubs

The use of saline waters is an option for the irrigation of salt tolerant ornamentals as competition for high quality water increases. However, despite the importance of ornamental shrubs in Mediterranean areas, salt tolerance of such species has received little attention. The aims of our investigation were to quantify the growth response and any injury symptom of 12 widely cultivated ornamental shrubs to irrigation with saline water and to investigate any possible relation with the concentration of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in the plants. Species were irrigated with different salinities (10, 40, and 70 mM NaCl) for a 120-day period. At the end of salt treatment, plants were sampled and dry biomass recorded; the relative growth rate (RGR) was also calculated. Root and leaf samples from each species were used to evaluate Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations. Growth rates were significantly reduced in Cotoneaster lacteus, Grevillea juniperina and Pyracantha ‘Harlequin’, which also showed the highest percentage of necrotic leaves. The increasing external NaCl lead to an increase of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in roots and leaves of the different species, although less Na⁺ was accumulated than Cl⁻: growth reduction well correlated with the concentration of Cl⁻ and/or Na⁺ in the leaves. The most sensitive species (i.e. C. lacteus, G. juniperina and Pyracantha ‘Harlequin’) had high concentrations of Na⁺ and/or Cl⁻ in their leaves and also showed a decrease in their leaf K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Even though other species (i.e. Bougainvillea glabra, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Leptospermum scoparium, Leucophyllum frutescens and Ruttya fruticosa) demonstrated a high ion concentration in their leaves, they could be considered relatively salt tolerant as there was little growth reduction and few symptoms of injury in the leaves. In some other cases (i.e. Cestrum fasciculatum, Escallonia rubra and Viburnum lucidum) the observed tolerance was related to higher ion concentration in the roots compared to the leaves, probably indicative of a limited transport to the shoots. Only in Eugenia myrtifolia was the absence of symptoms associated with a limited Na⁺ and Cl⁻ uptake from the rhizosphere.     

草莓采后微粒体膜Ca2+-ATPase 活性与膜脂过氧化水平

 测定了常温(25 ℃) 和低温(4 ℃) 贮藏的草莓果实中微粒体膜Ca²⁺-ATPase 酶(Ca²⁺-ATPase)与超氧化物歧化酶(SOD) 活性、超氧阴离子(O -·2 ) 产生速率和丙二醛(MDA) 含量的变化。结果显示,随果实衰老, 低温贮藏的果实微粒体膜Ca²⁺-ATPase总活性和质膜、线粒体膜及液泡膜上的Ca²⁺-ATPase 活性, 微粒体膜SOD 活性和O^-·₂ 产生速率呈先升高后降低的趋势, MDA 含量变化与之相反; 常温贮藏的果实Ca²⁺-ATPase活性和O^-·₂产生速率变化较为迅速, 与低温类似, 而SOD 活性逐步下降, MDA 含量不断升高。这些表明, 草莓果实衰老与细胞质内Ca²⁺-稳态的破坏和膜脂过氧化作用的加强有密切关系。     

Morpho-Physiological Responses of Grape Rootstock ‘Dogridge’ to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Under Salinity Stress

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) alone or in combination with bacterial consortium (AMF+BC) inoculation prior to induced salinity (NaCl @ 150 or 250 mM) were studied on root growth; plant biomass; leaf area; Na⁺ and K⁺ contents; leaf water potential (Ψ_w); osmotic potential (Ψ_π); photosynthesis rate (P_n); and contents of chlorophyll, phytohormones, and polyamines in the grape rootstock ‘Dogridge’, popular among Indian vine growers. AMF inoculation in the NaCl untreated rootstocks plants increased root growth, root and shoot biomass, and leaf area and improved leaf Ψ_w, Ψ_π, P_n, and chlorophyll content, and also countered the stress-induced decline in the NaCl treated plants. The abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinins, and polyamine-spermidine and spermine contents in the leaves of NaCl untreated or treated were significantly increased by the AMF inoculation. Among the treatments, AMF with BC was relatively more effective than AMF alone with respect to changes in above morpho-physiological characters. The results depicted that AMF (AMF alone or AMF+BC) inoculation significantly improved salinity tolerance of grape rootstock and tolerance is induced by improvements in plant water balance, K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, and P_n, besides distinct accumulations in ABA and polyamines-spermine and spermidine. The above findings have potential in suggesting the AMF usefulness in improving the efficacy of ‘Dogridge’ rootstock in grape cultivation under salt affected soils.     

Yield,blossom-end rot incidence,and fruit quality in pepper plants under moderate salinity are affected by K and Ca fertilization

One of the most important factors limiting agricultural expansion and production is the restricted supply of good quality water. The present study examines the effects of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ fertilization on sweet pepper production, blossom-end rot (BER) incidence and fruit quality of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) grown under moderate saline conditions. Pepper plants were grown in a controlled-environment greenhouse under hydroponic conditions with different nutrient solutions obtained by modifying the Hoagland solution. The experiment consisted on four K⁺ treatments (0.2, 2, 7 and 14 mM) +30 mM NaCl, and four Ca²⁺ treatments (0.2, 2, 4 and 8 mM) +30 mM NaCl, having in common a control without salt with 7 mM K⁺/4 mM Ca²⁺. Salinity decreased total fruit yield and marketable fruit yield by 23% and 37%, respectively. The marketable fruit yield reduction by salt treatment was mainly due to the increase in the number of fruit affected by BER. This typical physiopathy of the pepper fruits occurred between 18 and 25 days after anthesis (DAA), when the highest fruit growth rate was reached. Fruit quality parameters were also affected by salt treatment where the fruit pulp thickness and firmness were decreased, and fructose, glucose and myo-inositol fruit concentrations increased with salinity relative to fruits from control treatment. Under saline conditions an increased supply of K⁺ reduced the fruit fresh weight, the percentage of BER and the marketable yield although promoted the vegetative growth. However, increasing Ca²⁺ concentration in the nutrient solution increased the fruit production, and the marketable yield as consequence of decreasing the percentage of fruit affected with BER. Fruit quality parameters also were affected by the K⁺ and Ca²⁺ treatments.     

Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid treatments for potentially extending the longevity of cut Acacia holosericea foliage

Acacia holosericea is a novel cut foliage line with a short vase life. Postharvest application of salicylic acid (SA) can extend the vase life of cut flower. SA is a host defence inducer, as is jasmonic acid (JA). SA and JA were compared as vase solution additives for A. holosericea. Three experiments were conducted that also compared these two chemicals with H⁺ and Cu²⁺ as known vase life extending additives. Vase solutions containing SA at 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mM gave ~1.3- to 1.5-fold vase life extensions as compared with the distilled water (DW; control). Provision of Cu²⁺ and JA at 0.5 mM in vase solutions also prolonged vase life by ~1.3-fold as compared with DW. The positive effect of SA tended to be greater than that of JA, but was inferior to that of Cu²⁺ at the same concentration. However, trend differences among these treatments were not statistically significant. Cut A. holosericea foliage stems treated with SA and JA exhibited higher relative fresh weight (RFW) and vase solution uptake rates as compared with DW. Overall, SA and JA evidently extended the vase life of cut A. holosericea foliage by inhibiting water loss and maintaining RFW during the vase period.     

Exogenous putrescine reduces flooding-induced oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant properties of Welsh onion

Soil flooding is an environmental factor of seasonal occurrence that negatively affects plant performance. Polyamines play an important role in the plant response to adverse environmental conditions including flooding stress. The objective of the present study was to assess the comparative oxidative damage to Welsh onion plants caused by flooding stress and to examine the role of putrescine (Put) in this response. Welsh onion plants were treated with Put prior to 10 d flooding. A positive effect was observed when treating with 2 mM Put. Exogenous application of Put resulted in alleviation of flooding-induced reduced relative water content, plant growth and chlorophyll fluorescence. Superoxide radical (O₂⁻) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents were also reduced in stressed plants after Put pre-treatment and thereby the oxidative stress in plant cells was lowered. The antioxidant system, as an important component of the waterlogging-stress-protective mechanism including α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging, metal chelating activities and reducing power, can be upgraded by Put, which is therefore able to moderate the radical scavenging system and to lessen oxidative stress. Under non-flooding conditions, the anti-oxidative activity of Welsh onion was regulated and elevated by Put pre-treatment. These results suggest that Put confers flooding tolerance to Welsh onion, probably through inducing the activities of various anti-oxidative systems. Thus, exogenous 2 mM per plant of Put 24 h prior to flooding could alleviate flooding stress.