Salicylic acid pretreatment induces drought tolerance and delays leaf rolling by inducing antioxidant systems in maize genotypes

Salicylic acid (SA) acts as an endogenous signal molecule responsible for inducing abiotic stress tolerance in plants. In this study, the role of SA in improving drought tolerance in two maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) differing in their tolerance to drought was evaluated. The plants were regularly watered per pot and grown until the grain filling stage (R2) under a rainout shelter. At stage R2, parts of the plants were treated with SA, after which drought stress was applied. Leaf samples were harvested on the 10th and 17th days of the drought. Some antioxidant enzyme activity, such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, was measured during the drought period. Exogenous SA prevented water loss and delayed leaf rolling in comparison with control leaves in both cultivars. As a consequence of drought stress, lipid peroxidation, measured in terms of malondialdehyde content, was prevented by SA. SA pretreatment induced all antioxidant enzyme activities, and to a greater extent than the control leaves, during drought. SA also caused a reduction in the ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH) content in two maize cultivars. The H₂O₂ level was higher in SA pretreated plants than the controls in both cultivars. Pretreatment with SA further enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants in the tolerant cultivar compared with the sensitive cultivar. Results suggested that exogenous SA could help reduce the adverse effects of drought stress and might have a key role in providing tolerance to stress by decreasing water loss and inducing the antioxidant system in plants with leaf rolling, an alternative drought protection mechanism.     

The influence of cold acclimation on antioxidative enzymes and antioxidants in sensitive and tolerant barley cultivars

In order to better understand the role of cold acclimation in alleviating freezing injury, two barley cultivars with different cold tolerance, i.e. a sensitive cv. Chumai 1 and a tolerant cv. Mo 103, were used. The freezing treatment increased leaf soluble protein content more in the tolerant cultivar than in the sensitive one. Cold acclimation increased H₂O₂ content of the two cultivars during freezing treatment, especially in Mo 103. Glutathione and ascorbate contents during freezing and recovery were significantly higher in cold-acclimated plants than in non-acclimated ones. Activities of peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were also higher in cold-acclimated plants than non-acclimated plants during freezing treatment. However, there was no significant difference between cold-acclimated plants and the control plants in catalase activity. It may be assumed that cold acclimation induced H₂O₂ production, which in turn enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes and synthesis of antioxidants, resulting in alleviation of oxidative stress caused by freezing.     

山黧豆根系对H2O2诱导氧化胁迫的生理应答

以水培7d苗龄的山黧豆幼苗为材料,向水培溶液中施加不同浓度H2O2处理山黧豆幼苗24h,分析山黧豆根系受氧化胁迫的程度与抗氧化系统的应答特征,以揭示山黧豆对氧化胁迫的耐受机制。结果显示:(1)随外源H2O2处理浓度的不断增加,山黧豆幼苗侧根的数目无显著变化,而其根的鲜重则显著降低。(2)同时,根系组织的内源H2O2染色范围和程度显著增高,但根尖区域始终保持较低水平的H2O2;相反,O-·2染色范围和程度明显减少,根尖区域却始终保持较高水平的O-·2。(3)同期根系抗坏血酸(ASC)含量及过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)与抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)的活性均表现出了先升高后降低的趋势,而超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)一直表现为持续上升的趋势。研究表明,在外源H2O2胁迫条件下,山黧豆根系O-·2的积累可能与其生长和活力呈正相关,而根系H2O2的积累则与其受氧化胁迫程度呈正相关;低浓度的H2O2处理可以提高山黧豆抗氧化系统对体内活性氧的清除能力。     

Cadmium-induced subcellular accumulation of O2·− and H2O2 in pea leaves

Cadmium is a toxic metal that produces disturbances in plant antioxidant defences giving rise to oxidative stress. The effect of this metal on H₂O₂ and O₂^·? production was studied in leaves from pea plants growth for 2 weeks with 50 µm Cd, by histochemistry with diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), respectively. The subcellular localization of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied by cytochemistry with CeCl₃ and Mn/DAB staining for H₂O₂ and O₂^·?, respectively, followed by electron microscopy observation. In leaves from pea plants grown with 50 µm CdCl₂ a rise of six times in the H₂O₂ content took place in comparison with control plants, and the accumulation of H₂O₂ was observed mainly in the plasma membrane of transfer, mesophyll and epidermal cells, as well as in the tonoplast of bundle sheath cells. In mesophyll cells a small accumulation of H₂O₂ was observed in mitochondria and peroxisomes. Experiments with inhibitors suggested that the main source of H₂O₂ could be a NADPH oxidase. The subcellular localization of O₂^·? production was demonstrated in the tonoplast of bundle sheath cells, and plasma membrane from mesophyll cells. The Cd‐induced production of the ROS, H₂O₂ and O₂^·?, could be attributed to the phytotoxic effect of Cd, but lower levels of ROS could function as signal molecules in the induction of defence genes against Cd toxicity. Treatment of leaves from Cd‐grown plants with different effectors and inhibitors showed that ROS production was regulated by different processes involving protein phosphatases, Ca²⁺ channels, and cGMP.     

Changes in antioxidant enzymes and some key metabolites in some genetically diverse cultivars of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Salt-induced changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), level of H₂O₂, and some key metabolites such as soluble proteins, free proline and phenolics in the leaves of six radish cultivars (Radish Red Neck, Radish Lal Pari, Radish Mino Japani, Radish 40 Days, Mannu Early and Desi) were investigated. Varying levels of NaCl (0, 80 and 160 mM) applied for 40 days adversely affected the shoot fresh weight, chlorophyll contents and soluble proteins, while increased the levels of proline, and the activities of SOD, POD and CAT. However, leaf H₂O₂ and total phenolic contents were not affected by salt stress. Cultivars Mannu Early, Radish 40 Days and Desi were relatively higher in shoot fresh weight (percent of control) while cvs. Radish Mino Japani and Mannu Early in proline, and cvs. Radish 40 Days and Desi in total soluble proteins at 160 mM of NaCl. However, levels of H₂O₂ and phenolics were higher in cvs. Desi, Radish Lal Pari and Mannu Early and SOD, POD and CAT activities only in Radish Lal Pari and Mannu Early than the other cultivars under saline conditions. Overall, the differential salt tolerance of radish cultivars observed in the present study was not found to be associated with higher antioxidant enzyme activities and other key metabolites analyzed, so these attributes cannot be considered as selection criteria for salt tolerance in radish.     

Effects of elevated CO2 and/or O3 on growth, development and physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Two cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Alexandria and Hanno) and three cultivars of winter wheat (cvs. Riband, Mercia and Haven) were grown at two concentrations of CO₂ [ambient (355 pmol mol^?1) and elevated (708 μmol mol^?1)] under two O₃ regimes [clean air (< 5 nmol mol^?1 O₃) and polluted air (15 nmol mol^?1 O₃ at night rising to a midday maximum of 75 nmol mol^?1)] in a phytotron at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Between the two-leaf stage and anthesis, measurements of leaf gas-exchange, non-structural carbohydrate content, visible O₃ damage, growth, dry matter partitioning, yield components and root development were made in order to examine responses to elevated CO₂ and/or O₃. Growth at elevated CO₂ resulted in a sustained increase in the rate of CO₂ assimilation, but after roughly 6 weeks' exposure there was evidence of a slight decline in the photosynthetic rate (c.-15%) measured under growth conditions which was most pronounced in the winter cultivars. Enhanced rates of CO₂ assimilation were accompanied by a decrease in stomatal conductance which improved the instantaneous water use efficiency of individual leaves. CO₂ enrichment stimulated shoot and root growth to an equivalent extent, and increased tillering and yield components, however, non-structural carbohydrates still accumulated in source leaves. In contrast, long-term exposure to O₃ resulted in a decreased CO₂ assimilation rate (c. -13%), partial stomatal closure, and the accumulation of fructan and starch in leaves in the light. These effects were manifested in decreased rates of shoot and root growth, with root growth more severely affected than shoot growth. In the combined treatment growth of O₃-treated plants was enhanced by elevated CO₂, but there was little evidence that CO₂ enrichment afforded additional protection against O₃ damage. The reduction in growth induced by O₃ at elevated CO₂ was similar to that induced by O₃ at ambient CO₂ despite additive effects of the individual gases on stomatal conductance that would be expected to reduce the O₃ flux by 20%, and also CO₂-induced increases in the provision of substrates for detoxification and repair processes. These observations suggest that CO₂ enrichment may render plants more susceptible to O₃ damage at the cellular level. Possible mechanisms are discussed.     

Parallel Changes in H2O2 and Catalase during Thermotolerance Induced by Salicylic Acid or Heat Acclimation in Mustard Seedlings

Spraying mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings with salicylic acid (SA) solutions between 10 and 500 μm significantly improved their tolerance to a subsequent heat shock at 55°C for 1.5 h. The effects of SA were concentration dependent, with higher concentrations failing to induce thermotolerance. The time course of thermotolerance induced by 100 μm SA was similar to that obtained with seedlings acclimated at 45°C for 1 h. We examined the hypothesis that induced thermotolerance involved H₂O₂. Heat shock at 55°C caused a significant increase in endogenous H₂O₂ and reduced catalase activity. A peak in H₂O₂ content was observed within 5 min of either SA treatment or transfer to the 45°C acclimation temperature. Between 2 and 3 h after SA treatment or heat acclimation, both H₂O₂ and catalase activity significantly decreased below control levels. The lowered H₂O₂ content and catalase activity occurred in the period of maximum thermoprotection. It is suggested that thermoprotection obtained either by spraying SA or by heat acclimation may be achieved by a common signal transduction pathway involving an early increase in H₂O₂.     

外源H_2S对NO_3~-胁迫下番茄幼苗生理生化特性的影响

采用营养液水培方法,通过外源施加H2S供体NaHS(100μmol/L),研究了信号分子H2S对100mmol/L NO3-胁迫下番茄幼苗生理生化特性的影响。结果表明:(1)NO3-胁迫下,随着处理时间的延长,番茄幼苗的株高、根长、鲜重和干重显著降低,叶绿素(a、b)含量、净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率均显著降低,而胞间CO2浓度以及丙二醛(MDA)、H2O2含量增加,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)活性显著降低,抗坏血酸(AsA)和还原性谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量显著降低。(2)与NO3-胁迫处理相比,外源NaHS处理1、3、5d后,番茄幼苗的株高、根长、鲜重和干重显著增加,叶绿素(a、b)含量、净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率均显著升高,而胞间CO2浓度显著降低;MDA和H2O2含量降低,SOD、POD、CAT和APX活性显著增强,AsA和GSH含量显著增加,而且幼苗的硝酸还原酶、谷氨酰胺合成酶、谷氨酸合酶的活性显著增强;L-半胱氨酸脱巯基酶活性和内源H2S含量增加。研究认为,外源H2S可能通过提高抗氧化物酶的活性和增加抗氧化物质含量来缓解NO3-对番茄幼苗造成的伤害,从而增强其对NO3-胁迫耐性。     

Defence-related biochemical changes by elicitor of malformation pathogen,Fusarium mangiferae,in mango

Malformation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) induced by Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans is a plant disease of international importance. The paper reports the downstream defence responses at the initial stage in a susceptible host (cultivar Amrapali) after treatment with biotic (isolated from the pathogen cell wall) (BEL) and abiotic (salicylic acid, SA) elicitors, and inoculation of vegetative buds with the pathogen (IVB). The SA was further tested to induce resistance in field trials. The inoculation and application of elicitors increased β-1, 3 glucanase that causes lysis of fungal hyphae by many folds. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (active oxygen species) that induces hypersensitive cell death was reduced to the minimum level after treatment with BEL. The reduction of H₂O₂ in the inoculated vegetative buds was also substantial; however, comparatively less with SA treatment. Consequently, there was no hypersensitive cell death in the malformed mango. Salicylic acid that enhances H₂O₂ content by suppressing H₂O₂-degradation by catalase, increased marginally with the SA treatment and in the IVB, but reduced with the BEL. The reduction of SA in BEL-treated buds concomitantly reduced its H₂O₂ content. The activity of catalase, suppressor of resistance mechanism, was reduced in all the treatments, but the reduction was not enough to arrest H₂O₂-degradation. Magiferin (1, 3, 6, 7-tetrahdroxyxanthone C₂-β-D glucoside), a defence metabolite of mango, increased substantially in all the treatments; maximum with the BEL. A pathogenesis-related (PR) protein of 20 KDa that resists symptom development appeared in all the treatments except the control. But light colour of the spots for the PR-protein indicated low protein accumulation. The maximum accumulation was with the IVB followed by SA and BEL treatments. The amount of total protein reduced considerably in all the treatments. The SA treatment on healthy plants failed to induce defence against malformation. Contrarily, the treatment on malformed seedlings restored normal growth within two months. Hence, SA acted better over the infected plants in presence of the pathogen. Thus, a signal transduction system involving SA and H₂O₂ remained nonfunctional and enough defence chemicals could not be synthesised. Defence genes that produce phenolic and β-1, 3 glucanase, however, became activated and saved the plants from death although could not prevent symptom manifestations.     

Central role of salicylic acid in resistance of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) against salinity

The effects of salicylic acid (SA) on growth parameters and enzyme activities were investigated in salt-stressed safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Twenty-five days after sowing, seedlings were treated with NaCl (0, 100, and 200?mM) and SA (1?mM), and were harvested at 21 days after treatments. Results showed that some growth parameters decreased under salinity, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, phenolic compounds, and some enzyme activities increased. SA application increased some growth parameters, MDA and H₂O₂ content, and enzyme activities except catalase (CAT), which was different from the other enzymes and SA significantly reduced CAT activity in plants. These results suggest that SA-induced tolerance to salinity may be related to regulation of antioxidative responses and H₂O₂ level. Our study suggested that the resistant safflower can direct reactive oxygen species from a threat to an opportunity by using SA. Therefore, exogenous application of SA played this role through regulation of the antioxidant system.     

In planta measurements of oxidative bursts elicited by avirulent and virulent bacterial pathogens suggests that H2O2 is insufficient to elicit cell death in tobacco

A rapid and localized programmed cell death – the hypersensitive response (HR) – is a widely utilized plant resistance mechanism against pathogens. Studies have implicated H₂O₂ generation as a key elicitory mechanism in the HR. The causal relationship between the kinetics of the in planta oxidative burst, the HR and certain defence gene expression was examined. H₂O₂ generation following challenge with avirulent strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. (P. s. pv.) syringae occurred in two phases. The effects of ROS generation were investigated using the H₂O₂-responsive transgene AoPR10-GUS, the dually responsive (H₂O₂ and salicylic acid) PR1a-GUS as well as measures of cell death. Co-application of catalase with P. s. pv. syringae into tobacco leaf panels suppressed AoPR10- and PR1a-GUS expression and cell death. Conversely, varying H₂O₂ generation with glucose: glucose oxidase influenced both defence gene expression and cell death. AoPR10-GUS proved to be primarily responsive to apoplastic not intracellular oxidative stress, suggesting that the apoplasm was a distinctive source of oxidative signals. A biphasic oxidative burst was also observed with virulent P. s. pv. tabaci, which, although delayed compared to that observed during HR, persisted at equivalent levels for a longer period. Taking all these data together we suggest that either (1) additional factors to the apoplastic oxidative burst are required to explain the rapid kinetics of defence signalling and cell death associated with the HR or (2) P. s. pv. tabaci successfully suppresses the effects of H₂O₂ generation by an unknown mechanism.     

Exogenous H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> improves the chilling tolerance of manilagrass and mascarenegrass by activating the antioxidative system

The effect of foliar pretreatment by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at low concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 mM on the chilling tolerance of two Zoysia cultivars, manilagrass (Zoysia matrella) and mascarenegrass (Zoysia tenuifolia), was studied. The optimal concentration for H₂O₂ pretreatment was 10 mM, as demonstrated by the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage (EL) levels and higher protein content under chilling stress (7°C/2°C, day/night). Prior to initiation of chilling, exogenous 10 mM H₂O₂ significantly increased catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-dependent peroxidases (GPX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in manilagrass, and guaiacol peroxidase (POD), APX, and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in mascarenegrass, suggesting that H₂O₂ may act as a signaling molecule, inducing protective metabolic responses against further oxidative damage due to chilling. Under further stress, optimal pretreatments alleviated the increase of H₂O₂ level and the decrease of turfgrass quality, and improved CAT, POD, APX, GR, and GPX activities, with especially significant enhancement of APX and GPX activities from the initiation to end of chilling. These antioxidative enzymes were likely the important factors for acquisition of tolerance to chilling stress in the two Zoysia cultivars. Our results showed that pretreatment with H₂O₂ at appropriate concentration may improve the tolerance of warm-season Zoysia grasses to chilling stress, and that manilagrass had better tolerance to chilling, as evaluated by lower MDA and EL, and better turfgrass quality, regardless of the pretreatment applied.     

Growth stage-based modulation in antioxidant defense system and proline accumulation in two hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars differing in salinity tolerance

Changes in the antioxidant defense system and proline accumulation were examined at different growth stages (vegetative, boot and reproductive) in plants of two hexaploid spring wheat cultivars (S-24, salt tolerant; MH-97, salt sensitive), grown in hydroponics and salinity-affected with 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM of NaCl. Salt stress provoked a marked decline in plant dry mass and ascorbic acid contents, and increased proline, total soluble proteins and H₂O₂ contents in both wheat cultivars at all growth stages. However, higher accumulation of proline and H₂O₂ contents was recorded at the vegetative and boot stages, respectively, in both wheat cultivars. Salt stress caused a consistent rise in the activities of some key antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD, and APX) at all growth stages only in the salt tolerant cultivar S-24, whereas such pattern of enhanced activities of enzymatic antioxidants in cv. MH-97 was found only at the vegetative stage under saline regimes. Maximum activities of various enzymatic antioxidants were observed at the vegetative stage in both wheat cultivars under varying external salt treatments. The results showed that high salinity tolerance of cv. S-24, as manifested by lower decrease in its dry matter under salt stress, was associated with higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, increased accumulation of proline, and lower levels of H₂O₂, as compared with cv. MH-97 at all growth stages under saline regimes.     

Effects of salicylic acid on paraquat tolerance in<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis> plants

Foliar spraying ofArabidopsis thaliana (Columbia ecotype) plants with a 1.0-mM salicylic acid (SA) solution significantly improved their tolerance to subsequent paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative damage. Leaf injuries, including losses of chlorophyll, protein, and fresh weight, were reduced. Our analysis of antioxidant enzymes in the leaves showed that SA pre-treatment effectively retarded rapid decreases in the activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase that are normally associated with PQ exposure. In addition, guaiacol peroxidase activity was remarkably increased. In a native gel assay of peroxidase (POD) isozymes, staining activity of the POD1 isozyme, which disappeared in plants exposed only to 10 μM PQ, was significantly recovered by the 1.0-mM SA pre-treatment POD2 isozyme activity was also pronounced in all SA-treated plants compared with the control. A 12-h SA pre-treatment, without subsequent PQ stress, also caused a small increase in the endogenous H₂O₂ content that accompanies the symptoms of mild leaf injuries. This enhanced level occurred in parallel with a slight SOD increase and a catalase decrease. From our results, it can be assumed that, due to the small increase in SOD as well as catalase inactivation via SA pre-treatment, a moderate increase in H₂O₂ levels may occur. In turn, a large induction of guaiacol peroxidase leads to enhanced PQ tolerance inA. thaliana plants.     

Effect of salicylic acid potentiates cadmium-induced oxidative damage in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L. leaves

In the present investigation, we studied the possible potentiating effect of salicylic acid (SA) under Cd toxicity in Oryza sativa L. leaves. Cd treatments for 24 h reduced the shoot length, dry biomass and total chlorophyll content followed by high Cd accumulation in shoots. About 16 h presoaking with SA resulted in partial protection against Cd, as observed by minor changes in length, biomass and total chlorophyll. SA priming resulted in low Cd accumulation. Enhanced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻) content were seen when Cd was applied alone, while under SA priming the extent of TBARS, H₂O₂ and O₂ ⁻ were significantly low, suggesting SA-regulated protection against oxidative stress. The antioxidant enzymes like Catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed varied activities under Cd alone. CAT activity increased after Cd treatment, followed by a decline in GPX and GR activity. SOD also declined at the highest concentrations with an initial increase. Under SA-priming conditions, the efficiency of the antioxidant enzymes was significantly elevated. GPx and SOD activity showed significant increase in activity. The ascorbate activity increased after Cd treatment, followed by a decline in glutathione under SA-free condition. SA priming showed gradual increase in these non-enzymic antioxidants. Our results indicate that Cd-induced oxidative stress can be regulated by SA.     

Oligochitosan induced Brassica napus L. production of NO and H2O2 and their physiological function

NO (nitric oxide) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) are important signaling molecule in plants. Brassica napus L. was used to understand oligochitosan inducing production of NO (nitric oxide) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) and their physiological function. The result showed that the production of NO and H₂O₂ in epidermal cells of B. napus L. was induced with oligochitosan by fluorescence microscope. And it was proved that there was an interaction between NO and H₂O₂ with L-NAME (N^G-nitro-l-arg-methyl eater), which is an inhibitor of NOS (NO synthase) in mammalian cells that also inhibits plant NO synthesis, and CAT (catalase), which is an important H₂O₂ scavenger, respectively. It was found that NO and H₂O₂ induced by oligochitosan took part in inducing reduction in stomatal aperture and LEA protein gene expression of leaves of B. napus L. All these results showed that oligochitosan have potential activities of improving resistance to water stress.     

Differential Na2SO4 tolerance in tobacco plants regenerated from Na2SO4-grown callus

Abstract The regenerated shoots from sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) grown callus of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin 38) were evaluated for Na₂SO₄ tolerance based on shoot proliferation and rooting in vitro, and seed germination in vivo in response to Na₂SO₄. An increase in Na₂SO₄ concentration resulted in significantly decreasing shoot fresh weight, number of shoots, shoot length and leaf size, and increasing per cent shoot dry weight of both control and Na₂SO₄-grown cultures. In rooting, shoots of Na₂SO₄-grown cultures exhibited the highest per cent rooting (85%) in the presence of 1% w/v Na₂SO₄. However, per cent rooting, root number per rooted cutting and root fresh weight decreased significantly with increasing Na₂SO₄ concentration when shoots were transferred to the medium in the absence of Na₂SO₄ for 4-monthly passages. Following acclimatization of the rooted shoots of Na₂SO₄-grown cultures, phenotypic variation was observed during growth and development. There were 13.2% sterile plants. Fertile plants were sorted into normal (N), tolerant (T), and sensitive (S) categories and the respective percentages of plants were 31.6, 44.7 and 10.5, based on per cent germination, germination velocity index and seedling survival to Na₂SO₄. The response of N, T and S types to Na₂SO₄ in subsequent shoot proliferation was similar to that of seed germination.     

Enhanced chilling tolerance in Zoysia matrella by pre-treatment with salicylic acid, calcium chloride, hydrogen peroxide or 6-benzylaminopurine

Following leaf application of salicylic acid (SA), calcium chloride, hydrogen peroxide and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), Manila grass (Zoysia matrella) plants were exposed to day/night temperature of 7/2 °C for 120 h in a growth chamber. The lower content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂ and higher activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) during exposure to low temperature in pre-treated plants in comparison with control plants demonstrated that these compounds improved the chilling tolerance of Manila grass.     

Salicylic acid increases tolerance to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide accumulation in leaves of cadmium-exposed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) pretreatments on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, protein oxidation, and H₂O₂-scavenging enzymes in leaves of Cd-treated flax seedlings. Cd-enhanced H₂O₂ levels were related to increased activities of guaiacol peroxidase (POX, EC 1.11.1.7) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), and were independent of changes in catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) activities. In control flax seedlings, exogenous SA pretreatments inhibited the activity of CAT, resulted in an enhanced production of H₂O₂ suggesting that SA requires H₂O₂ to initiate an oxidative stress. However, although leaves of Cd-free flax seedlings pretreated with SA accumulated in vivo H₂O₂ by 1.2-fold compared with leaves of Cd-only exposed ones; the damage to growth and proteins after the exposure to Cd was significantly less, indicating that SA can regulate the Cd-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, the Cd-treated seedlings primed with SA exhibited a higher level of total antioxidant capacities and increased activities of H₂O₂-detoxifying enzymes.     

Cadmium toxicity and translocation in rice seedlings are reduced by hydrogen peroxide pretreatment

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the role of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in enhancing tolerance and reducing translocation of cadmium (Cd) in rice seedlings. Plant growth (length and biomass of shoot and root) was significantly repressed by Cd exposure. However, pretreatment with 100 μM H₂O₂ for 1d mitigated Cd stress by inducing enzyme activities for antioxidation (e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX)) and detoxification (e.g., glutathione S-transferase (GST)) as well as by elevating contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA). As a result, H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased in plants and the seedling growth was less inhibited. On the other hand, H₂O₂ pretreatment decreased Cd concentration in shoots, thus lowered the ratio of Cd concentration in shoots and roots (S/R), indicating that H₂O₂ may affect Cd distribution in rice seedlings. The improved Cd tolerance is partly due to an enhanced antioxidative system that efficiently prevents the accumulation of H₂O₂ during Cd stress. Increased Cd sequestration in rice roots may contribute to the decline of Cd translocation.