氯苯胁迫对大豆种子萌发的伤害

在实验室人工控制条件下 ,研究了不同浓度 1,2 ,4 三氯苯胁迫对大豆种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响 .结果表明 ,5 0～ 2 0 0 μg·g-1的 1,2 ,4 三氯苯胁迫对大豆种子的发芽率影响甚小 ,但延迟大豆种子的出苗速率 ;30 0 μg·g-1的 1,2 ,3 三氯苯胁迫使种子停止发芽 .在正常条件下 ,大豆种子播种后第 4天其下胚轴超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)活性达到高峰 ,之后趋于稳定 .不同浓度 1,2 ,4 三氯苯处理使大豆下胚轴SOD活性下降 ,丙二醛 (MDA)、蛋白质含量及下胚轴直径增加 ;幼苗的生长受抑制 ,干重、鲜重有一定程度的下降 ;而鲜重 /干重的比值变化不大 .受害程度随着 1,2 ,4 三氯苯浓度的增加而加重 .初生根比下胚轴对 1,2 ,4 三氯苯胁迫较为敏感 .     

野牛草叶片活性氧及其清除系统对水分胁迫的响应

逆境条件下活性氧产生及其清除效率是衡量植物抗性的重要指标,而活性氧对植物组织的氧化伤害和抗氧化酶活性常因材料的遗传或生理差异性而发生变化。以同一基因型的野牛草(Buchloe dactyloides(Nutt.)Engelm'texoka')克隆分株叶片为材料,采用Hoagland营养液培养,研究了10%、20%和30%PEG-6000模拟干旱胁迫下,野牛草叶片活性氧的产生、脂质过氧化和抗氧化酶活性变化规律。结果表明:随着PEG-6000浓度的增加及胁迫时间的延长,超氧阴离子(O2-.)的产生速率、过氧化氢(H2O2)和丙二醛(MDA)含量均显著增加;超氧化物歧化酶(SOD EC1.15.1.1)、愈创木酚过氧化物酶(G-POD EC1.11.1.7)和过氧化氢酶(CATEC1.11.1.6)活性呈先上升后下降的变化趋势;SOD、G-POD与CAT活性达到峰值的时间随PEG-6000浓度的增加而提前。认为水分胁迫下,抗氧化酶可有效清除活性氧自由基,但随胁迫时间的延长,抗氧化酶活性受到抑制。     

外源水杨酸对NaCl胁迫下大豆种子萌发和幼苗生长生理的影响

以大豆种子、幼苗为试验材料,采用砂培的方法,研究了0.2mmol·L-1外源水杨酸(SA)对100mmol·L-1 NaCl胁迫下大豆种子萌发、幼苗形态及生物量、膜脂过氧化和抗氧化酶活性的影响。结果显示:NaCl胁迫下,大豆种子萌发和幼苗生长受到显著抑制,且随着胁迫时间的延长(0~3d),大豆幼苗相对电解质渗漏率、硫代巴比妥酸活性产物(TBARS)含量显著升高,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)活性均明显降低。外源SA促进NaCl胁迫下大豆种子萌发和根茎生长,增加幼苗生物量积累,降低幼苗叶片相对电解质渗漏率和TBARS含量,增强其叶片SOD、CAT、APX活性。研究表明,NaCl胁迫能显著抑制大豆种子萌发和幼苗生长,而一定浓度的外源SA能有效提高NaCl胁迫下大豆种子活力及幼苗抗氧化酶活性,减轻膜脂过氧化程度,缓解NaCl胁迫所造成的伤害,提高大豆幼苗抗盐胁迫的能力。     

一氧化氮对渗透胁迫下小麦种子萌发及其活性氧代谢的影响

一氧化氮供体硝普钠(Sodium nitroprusside,SNP)能明显地促进渗透胁迫下小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)种子萌发、胚根和胚芽伸长,提高萌发过程中淀粉酶和内肽酶的活力,加速贮藏物质的降解：胁迫解除后,仍能使种子维持较高的活力。此外,SNP还能显著诱导渗透胁迫下CAT、APX活力的上升和脯氨酸含量积累,抑制LOX活力,从而提高渗透胁迫下小麦种子萌发过程中抗氧化能力。进一步研究还发现,SNP诱导切胚半粒小麦种子萌发早期(6h)的淀粉酶活力上升可能与GA3无直接关系。     

镉胁迫对矮牵牛种子萌发、幼苗生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响

采用营养液培养的方法研究了不同浓度镉Cd（0、1、2和4 mmol·L^-1）处理对矮牵牛（Petunia hybrida）种子萌发、幼苗生长及生理特性的影响。结果发现：与对照相比,较低浓度（1 mmol·L^-1）Cd处理下矮牵牛种子萌发和幼苗生长均显著被抑制,当Cd浓度增至4 mmol·L^-1时完全抑制了矮牵牛种子的萌发。Cd胁迫在低浓度时激活矮牵牛幼苗叶片过氧化物酶（POD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性,而高浓度产生抑制效应;抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性与对照相比均显著升高,丙二醛（MDA）含量无显著变化。不同浓度的乙二胺四乙酸(EDTA)的加入使4 mmol·L^-1 Cd胁迫下矮牵牛幼苗叶片POD和APX活性增加,但不影响SOD和CAT活性;此外,6 mmol·L^-1 EDTA使Cd胁迫下矮牵牛幼苗叶片中MDA含量增加。结果表明,Cd胁迫抑制矮牵牛种子萌发和幼苗生长,却使幼苗叶片POD、CAT和APX活性增加,EDTA的加入能够进一步提高Cd胁迫幼苗POD和APX活性。因此,矮牵牛幼苗在Cd胁迫下具有较强的抗氧化损伤的能力。     

一氧化氮对渗透胁迫下小麦种子萌发及其活性氧代谢的影响

一氧化氮供体硝普钠(Sodium nitroprusside,SNP)能明显地促进渗透胁迫下小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)种子萌发、胚根和胚芽伸长,提高萌发过程中淀粉酶和内肽酶的活力,加速贮藏物质的降解;胁迫解除后,仍能使种子维持较高的活力.此外,SNP还能显著诱导渗透胁迫下CAT、APX活力的上升和脯氨酸含量积累,抑制LOX活力,从而提高渗透胁迫下小麦种子萌发过程中抗氧化能力.进一步研究还发现,SNP诱导切胚半粒小麦种子萌发早期(6h)的淀粉酶活力上升可能与GA3无直接关系.     

1,2,4-三氯苯胁迫对不同基因型水稻灌浆期生理特性及产量的影响

在盆栽土培条件下,研究了5种浓度(0、10、20、40、80 mg/kg土)的1,2,4-三氯苯(TCB)对两种基因型水稻品种宁粳1号(敏感基因型)和扬辐粳8号(耐性基因型)产量及灌浆期生理特性的影响。结果表明:TCB对两种基因型水稻产量和灌浆期生理特性的影响具有显著差异,随着TCB浓度的增加,宁粳1号的产量呈现递减趋势,而扬辐粳8号呈低浓度下产量增加高浓度下产量显著降低的趋势,在中高浓度TCB(40、80 mg/kg)处理时,宁粳1号每盆穗数,每穗粒数,结实率显著降低且降幅显著大于扬辐粳8号,两个基因型品种千粒重变化都不明显。宁粳1号株高、干物重受TCB抑制程度较明显,降幅显著大于扬辐粳8号。在低浓度TCB(20 mg/kg)处理时,宁粳1号根系活力、叶绿素含量、可溶性蛋白质含量显著降低,而扬辐粳8号有所提高。随着TCB浓度的增加,两个基因型品种叶片抗氧化酶SOD、POD、CAT活性均呈先升后降趋势,且在低浓度TCB(10 mg/kg、20mg/kg)处理时,扬辐粳8号抗氧化酶活性极显著高于宁粳1号,在高浓度TCB(80 mg/kg)TCB浓度胁迫下,宁粳1号抗氧化酶活性极显著低于对照,且降幅极显著大于扬辐粳8号,且MDA含量增幅较大,膜质过氧化程度高。总体而言,低浓度TCB对扬辐粳8号的产量和灌浆期株高、干物重、叶绿素含量、叶片蛋白质含量和抗氧化酶活性具有一定的促进作用,中高浓度TCB对宁粳1号的抑制作用显著大于扬辐粳8号,扬辐粳8号在不同浓度的TCB处理下较宁粳1号表现出较强的耐迫性和适应性。     

CO2激光处理对大豆种子萌发及生理的影响

以大豆(Glycine max Merr.)为实验材料,研究了CO2激光不同功率密度和不同时间处理对大豆种子发芽率、淀粉酶活性、可溶性蛋白质、可溶性糖含量和氨基酸含量的影响。结果表明：(1)16mw／mm^2、18mw／mm^2、20mw／mm^2CO2激光处理均能提高种子发芽率、淀粉酶活力、可溶性蛋白质、可溶性糖含量和游离氨基酸含量,其中18mw／mm^2CO2激光处理效果最好;(2)相同功率(18mw／mm^2)不同时间处理均能提高种子发芽率、淀粉酶活力、可溶性蛋白质和游离氨基酸含量,处理时间以75s效果最好。     

SA浸种对盐胁迫下小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

以小麦盐敏感品种鲁麦15为材料,研究了外源水杨酸(salicylic acid,SA)浸种对100 mmol/L NaCl胁迫下小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。研究结果表明:盐胁迫下,无论经SA浸种还是未经SA浸种,小麦幼苗的生长均受到明显抑制,干、鲜重显著下降;0.1 mmol/L、0.2 mmol/L和0.3 mmol/L SA溶液浸种均能显著缓解NaCl胁迫对小麦幼苗生长的抑制,其中以0.2 mmol/L SA溶液浸种预处理效果最好。实验中,0.2 mmol/L SA浸种可显著提高盐胁迫下小麦种子β-淀粉酶的活性和吸胀速率。此外,与未经SA浸种的盐胁迫小麦幼苗相比,0.2 mmol/L SA浸种的盐胁迫小麦幼苗整株的干、鲜重显著增加,幼苗体内Na~+含量降低,K~+含量和K~+/Na~+比值显著提高;同时,小麦幼苗叶片中超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)、过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD)活性升高,而丙二醛(MDA)含量则显著降低。由此可以得出,SA浸种能有效提高盐胁迫下小麦幼苗体内K~+/Na~+比值,提高SOD、CAT和POD的活性,减轻膜脂过氧化程度,以缓解盐胁迫对小麦幼苗生长的抑制作用,从而提高耐盐性。     

渗透胁迫对黑麦幼苗活性氧和抗氧化酶活性的影响

用20%聚乙二醇（PEG 6000）研究了渗透胁迫对黑麦（Secale cereale L.）幼苗活性氧（reactive oxygen species,ROS）和主要抗氧化酶——超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）、过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ascorbate peroxidase,APX）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（glutathione reductase,GR）活性的影响。结果表明,与对照相比,PEG处理明显提高了叶子和根中丙二醛（malondialdehyde,MDA）的含量、ROS的水平和以上4种抗氧化酶的活性。渗透胁迫下,叶子和根中MDA和ROS水平变化的规律基本相似,但抗氧化酶活性在2种器官中表现不完全相同,叶子中CAT的活性在对照和处理中无显著差异,但在根中差异明显,表明叶子中SOD、APX和GR在植物应答渗透胁迫中起重要作用,而根中这4种抗氧化酶都参与植物对胁迫的反应。GR活性随PEG处理变化幅度显著高于其它抗氧化酶,表明GR在黑麦应答渗透胁迫中所起作用可能强于其它抗氧化酶。     

Effect of laser pretreatment on germination and membrane lipid peroxidation of Chinese pine seeds under drought stress

The germination of laser-irradiated Chinese pine seeds was carried out under drought stress.The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD),and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined.Results showed notably increased germination percentage,root length,vitality index and fresh weight.The SOD and POD protective enzyme system activity of the Chinese pine seedlings obviously rose.It can be concluded that the germination and juvenile resistance of Chinese pine seeds under drought stress are enhanced after laser processing.     

Effect of laser pretreatment on germination and membrane lipid peroxidation of Chinese pine seeds under drought stress

The germination of laser-irradiated Chinese pine seeds was carried out under drought stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results showed notably increased germination percentage, root length, vitality index and fresh weight. The SOD and POD protective enzyme system activity of the Chinese pine seedlings obviously rose. It can be concluded that the germination and juvenile resistance of Chinese pine seeds under drought stress are enhanced after laser processing. Translated from Journal of Shaanxi Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2006, 34(2): 40–43 [译自: 陕西师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Effect of Fish Oil and Coconut Oil on Antioxidant Defence System and Lipid Peroxidation in Rat Liver

Diets high in fish oil containing polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 family. have been suggested to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. However these lipids are highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration. In order to investigate the influence of n-3 fatty acids on oxidative status, the effect of feeding rats with fish oil or cocunut oil diets was studied by measuring different parameters related to an oxidative free radical challenge. Synthetic diets containing 15% (w/v) fish oil or coconut oil were used to feed growing rats for 4 weeks. As compared to control diet, the fish oil containing diet produced a significant decrease of cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in serum. however there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation products. In addition, in fish oil fed animals, there was also a decrease in vitamin E and A concentration. Furthermore, the rate of lipid peroxidation in isolated microsomes was three fold higher in rats fed fish oil as compared to rats with coconut oil diet. No significant differences between the two experimental groups were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) activities. However, there was a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. These results suggest that fish oil feeding at an amount compatible with human diet, although decreasing plasma lipids, actually challenge the antioxidant defence system, thus increasing the susceptibility of tissues to free radical oxidative damage.     

Influence of silicon on antioxidant mechanisms and lipid peroxidation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars under drought stress

Abstract

The effects of exogenous silicon (Si) on leaf relative water content (RWC), and the growth, Si concentrations, lipid peroxidation (MDA), lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, proline and H₂O₂ accumulation, non-enzymatic antioxidant activity (AA) and the activity of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; ascorbate peroxidase, APX) in shoots of ten chickpea cultivars grown under drought were investigated. Drought stress decreased the growth of all the cultivars while applied Si improved the growth at least five of the 10 chickpea cultivars. Silicon applied to the soil at 100 mg kg^?1 significantly increased Si concentrations of the cultivars and counteracted the deleterious effects of drought in 5 of the ten chickpea cultivars by increasing their RWC. In most cultivars tested H₂O₂, proline and MDA content and LOX activity were increased by drought whereas application of Si decreased their levels. APX activity was increased by drought but it was depressed by Si. In general, SOD and CAT activities of the cultivars were decreased by drought. Depending on cultivars, the CAT activity was decreased, and increased or unchanged in response to applied Si, while the SOD activity of the cultivars increased or unchanged by Si. The non-enzymatic antioxidant activity of the cultivars was also increased by Si. These observations implied an essential role for Si in minimizing drought stress-induced limitation of the growth and oxidative membrane damage in chickpea plants.     

Biochemical responses of glyphosate resistant and susceptible soybean plants exposed to glyphosate

Glyphosate is a wide spectrum, non-selective, post-emergence herbicide. It acts on the shikimic acid pathway inhibiting 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), thus obstructing the synthesis of tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine and other secondary products, leading to plant death. Transgenic glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybean [Glycine max (L.)] expressing an glyphosate-insensitive EPSPS enzyme has provided new opportunities for weed control in soybean production. The effect of glyphosate application on chlorophyll level, lipid peroxidation, catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GOPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, soluble amino acid levels and protein profile, in leaves and roots, was examined in two conventional (non-GR) and two transgenic (GR) soybean. Glyphosate treatment had no significant impact on lipid peroxidation, whilst the chlorophyll content decreased in only one non-GR cultivar. However, there was a significant increase in the levels of soluble amino acid in roots and leaves, more so in non-GR than in GR soybean cultivars. Root CAT activity increased in non-GR cultivars and was not altered in GR cultivars. In leaves, CAT activity was inhibited in one non-GR and one GR cultivar. GOPX activity increased in one GR cultivar and in both non-GR cultivars. Root APX activity increased in one GR cultivar. The soluble protein profiles as assessed by 1-D gel electrophoresis of selected non-GR and GR soybean lines were unaffected by glyphosate treatment. Neither was formation of new isoenzymes of SOD and CAT observed when these lines were treated by glyphosate. The slight oxidative stress generated by glyphosate has no relevance to plant mortality. The potential antioxidant action of soluble amino acids may be responsible for the lack of lipid peroxidation observed. CAT activity in the roots and soluble amino acids in the leaves can be used as indicators of glyphosate resistance.     

Lipid peroxidation and peroxide-scavenging in soybean seeds during aging

The possible role of lipid peroxidation in seed deterioration was investigated during natural aging and accelerated aging of seeds of edible soybean ( Glycine max [L], Merr. cv. Kaohsiung Selection No. 1). Natural aging was achieved by sealing the seeds in aluminum foil bags coated with polyethylene and storing the seeds at room temperature for 3 to 12 months. Accelerated aging was obtained by incubating the seeds at 45°C and close to 100% relative humidity for 3 to 12 days, after which the seeds were air dried to their original moisture level (8%). The results indicate that both natural and accelerated aging enhanced lipid peroxidation, as germination was depressed. Aging also inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase. The changes in germination and physiological activities, expressed as a function of aging duration, were somewhat similar in the two aging treatments.     

Effect of Fish Oil and Coconut Oil on Antioxidant Defence System and Lipid Peroxidation in Rat Liver

Diets high in fish oil containing polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 family. have been suggested to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. However these lipids are highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration. In order to investigate the influence of n-3 fatty acids on oxidative status, the effect of feeding rats with fish oil or cocunut oil diets was studied by measuring different parameters related to an oxidative free radical challenge. Synthetic diets containing 15% (w/v) fish oil or coconut oil were used to feed growing rats for 4 weeks. As compared to control diet, the fish oil containing diet produced a significant decrease of cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in serum. however there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation products. In addition, in fish oil fed animals, there was also a decrease in vitamin E and A concentration. Furthermore, the rate of lipid peroxidation in isolated microsomes was three fold higher in rats fed fish oil as compared to rats with coconut oil diet. No significant differences between the two experimental groups were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) activities. However, there was a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. These results suggest that fish oil feeding at an amount compatible with human diet, although decreasing plasma lipids, actually challenge the antioxidant defence system, thus increasing the susceptibility of tissues to free radical oxidative damage.     

Oxygen-dependent increase of antioxidants in soybean embryonic axes

Oxygen, although essential for the survival of aerobic organisms leads to generation of toxic species. The effect of oxygen on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants was determined to evaluate response to oxidative stress in soybean axes. Soybean seeds were incubated over nutrient solution-saturated filter paper. Different oxygen concentrations in the incubation atmosphere were maintained by gassing either N₂ (40% O₂), air (20% O₂), a commercial mix 40% O₂ + 60% N₂ (40% O₂) or O₂ (100% O₂) in closed plastic chambers. Oxidative stress was assessed by the oxidation of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. α-Tocopherol and ubiquinol-10 contents were measured by HPLC. The weight of axes was 13 ± 1 and 27 ± 3 mg/axis in the absence and presence of 20% oxygen, respectively. 2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate oxidation was increased from 14 ± 2 to 66 ± 5 AU/min/mg FW by supplementation of 20% oxygen. Total glutathione content was 22 ± 6 and 33 ± 6 nmol/axis in axes grown in absence of oxygen and air, respectively. Ubiquinol-10 content was not affected by oxygen. α-Tocopherol content decreased from 384 ± 94 to 14 ± 3 pmol/axis in the absence or presence of 100% oxygen, respectively. The activities of antioxidant enzymes increased in axes exposed to oxygen. Our data suggest that exposure of soybean axes to oxygen leads to oxidative stress but damage by oxygen intermediates was limited by increases in the activity of both, antioxidant substances (i.e. glutathione) and antioxidant enzymes.     

低磷胁迫对雷公藤幼苗叶片生理生化特性的影响

为研究雷公藤的耐磷胁迫性,对雷公藤（Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f.）一年生和三年生同一无性系扦插苗采用土培的方法进行了控制条件下的低磷胁迫实验,以KH2PO4为磷源,土壤中P2O5浓度为0、5、10、15、20、25（CK）mg/kg,低磷胁迫3个月和6个月后取叶片测定其丙二醛（MDA）、脯氨酸（Pro）含量以及超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性和酸性磷酸酶（APA）活性的变化。实验结果表明：低磷胁迫下一年生和三年生雷公藤叶片SOD、APA活性升高,MDA、Pro含量增加,并呈现随低磷胁迫加重和胁迫时间延长而上升趋势,低磷胁迫下各处理的一年生和三年生雷公藤叶片CAT、POD活性普遍低于对照,并随着低磷胁迫程度的加重而呈下降趋势。低磷胁迫下雷公藤幼苗叶片的几种保护酶活性、MDA、Pro含量以及APA活性响应都较为灵敏,保护酶系统在15、20 mg/kg处理下能够起到较好保护作用,表明雷公藤能通过自身生理调节来适应中度和轻度缺磷环境;综合各项生理指标,三年生雷公藤相对于一年生雷公藤显示了较强的抗氧化能力和渗透调节能力,具有较强的耐低磷能力,对磷较为缺乏的林地下套种雷公藤的苗龄选择有参考价值。     

Ethylene perception inhibitor 1-MCP decreases oxidative damage of leaves through enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms in soybean plants grown under high temperature stress

Ethylene is a stress hormone involved in early senescence and abscission of vegetative and reproductive organs under stress conditions. Ethylene perception inhibitors can minimize the impact of ethylene-mediated stress. The effects of high temperature (HT) stress during flowering on ethylene production rate in leaf, flower and pod and the effects of ethylene inhibitor on ethylene production rate, oxidative damage and physiology of soybean are not understood. We hypothesize that HT stress induces ethylene production, which causes premature leaf senescence and flower and pod abscission, and that application of the ethylene perception inhibitor 1-Methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) can minimize HT stress induced ethylene response in soybean. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine whether ethylene is produced in HT stress; (2) quantify the effects of HT stress and 1-MCP application on oxidative injury; and (3) evaluate the efficacy of 1-MCP at minimizing HT-stress-induced leaf senescence and flower abscission. Soybean plants were exposed to HT (38/28 °C) or optimum temperature (OT; 28/18 °C) for 14 d at flowering stage (R2). Plants at each temperature were treated with 1-MCP (1 μg L⁻¹) gas for 5 h or left untreated (control). High temperature stress increased rate of ethylene production in leaves, flowers and pods, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane damage, and total soluble carbohydrate content in leaves and decreased photosynthetic rate, sucrose content, F_v/F_m ratio and antioxidant enzyme activities compared with OT. Foliar spray of 1-MCP decreased rate of ethylene production and ROS and leaf senescence traits but enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase). In conclusion, HT stress increased ethylene production rates, caused oxidative damage, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, caused premature leaf senescence, increased flower abscission and decreased pod set percentage. Application of 1-MCP lowered ethylene and ROS production, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, increased membrane stability, delayed leaf senescence, decreased flower abscission and increased pod set percentage. The beneficial effects of 1-MCP were greater under HT stress compared to OT in terms of decreased ethylene production, decreased ROS production, increased antioxidant protection, decreased flower abscission and increased pod set percentage.