Formation of vicine and convicine by Vicia faba

Methods are described for the quantitative extraction and separation of the pyrimidine glucosides, vicine and convicine. The contents of these two substances in germinating seeds and young seedlings of Vicia faba remain constant for the first 2 weeks. Net synthesis and accumulation of vicine and convicine occurs in developing seeds. That the synthesis occurs within the pod and the pyrimidine glucosides are not translocated into them, was shown by injection of ¹⁴C-labelled precursors into the pods. [1-¹⁴C]- and [2-¹⁴C]-acetate were weakly incorporated but much greater incorporation was observed with [U-¹⁴C]-aspartic acid and [6-¹⁴C]-orotic acid. The results indicate that the orotic acid pathway is involved in the formation of the pyrimidine ring of both vicine and convicine.     

Between plant and diurnal variation in quantities and ratios of volatile compounds emitted by Vicia faba plants

Ratios of volatile phytochemicals potentially offer a means for insects to recognise their host-plant species. However, for this to occur ratios of volatiles would need to be sufficiently consistent between plants and over time to constitute a host-characteristic cue. In this context we collected headspace samples from Vicia faba plants to determine how consistent ratios of key volatile phytochemicals used in host location by one of its insect pests, the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae, were. These were (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, benzaldehyde, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, octanal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate, (R)-linalool, methyl salicylate, decanal, undecanal, (E)-caryophyllene, (E)-β-farnesene, (S)-germacrene D, and (E, E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene, which had previously been found to be electrophysiologically and behaviourally active to A. fabae. Although the quantities of volatiles produced by V. faba showed large between plant and diurnal variation, correlations between quantities of compounds indicated that the ratios of certain pairs of volatiles were very consistent. This suggests that there is a host-characteristic cue available to A. fabae in the form of ratios of volatiles.     

砷诱导蚕豆气孔保卫细胞死亡的毒性效应

采用蚕豆(Vicia faba L.)叶面气孔保卫细胞,研究砷对细胞的毒性效应。结果表明,0.3—10 mg/L的NaAsO_2能降低保卫细胞活性,使部分细胞死亡,死亡率随砷浓度升高而增高。死细胞中呈现核固缩、核崩解等典型程序性死亡特征,且泛caspase抑制剂Z-Asp-CH_2-DCB能阻止NaAsO_2诱发的细胞死亡。过氧化氢清除剂过氧化氢酶与NaAsO_2共同作用时,细胞死亡率显著低于砷单独处理组,保卫细胞内Ca~(2+)水平降低,具程序性死亡特征的细胞数减少;Ca~(2+)特异性螯合剂EGTA亦能降低NaAsO_2诱发的细胞死亡。研究结果表明,NaAsO_2能诱发蚕豆保卫细胞程序性死亡,该过程由胁迫引发的ROS升高引起,ROS可能通过激活质膜Ca~(2+)通道,使胞外Ca~(2+)内流,造成胞内Ca~(2+)浓度升高,进而诱导细胞程序性死亡。     

Phenolic glucoside-6′-sulfate formation in vicia faba

The fate of hydroquinone and catechol administered to a variety of higher plants over a period of several days has been investigated. All plants yielded monoglucosides, while a small number also yielded the gentiobiosides. Fifteen of 23 species examined yielded a phenolic glucoside derivative which appeared to be identical to a compound described earlier by Pridham and Saltmarsh as a phenolic glucoside-6′-sulfate. Definitive chemical synthesis of arbutin-6′-sulfate was achieved and direct comparison with the natural derivative clearly excluded the possibility of a sulfated derivative.     

Enhancement of natural killer cell cytotoxicity by using static magnetic field to increase their viability

Natural killer (NK) cells are innately immune to the body’s immune system and can actively recognize and kill cancer cells. This study explores the potential for enhancing the killing ability of NK cells by co-culturing the NK cells with the target cells under a static magnetic field (SMF). In this study, NK92-MI cell lines were cultured in the presence of a 0.4-T SMF. The effect of the SMF on NK cell viability was evaluated by means of an MTT assay. Culturing tests were performed with inhibitors of the DAG/IP3, STAT3, ERK, JNK and p38 pathways in order to examine the possible signaling cascade responsible for the SMF effect on the NK92-MI cell viability. Finally, the effect of the SMF on the cytotoxicity of the NK92-MI cells was evaluated by co-culturing the NK cells with K562 leukemia cell lines. The results showed that the application of a 0.4-T SMF significantly increased (p < 0.05) the viability of the NK92-MI cells. Furthermore, the inhibitor tests indicated that the SMF affected cell viability by activating multiple MAPK signaling pathways (ERKs, JNKs, and p38-MAPK). Finally, SMF pre-exposure for 48 hr significantly improved the killing activity of the NK92-MI cells (p < 0.05). That is, pre-exposure to SMF increased the viability of the NK92-MI cells and improved their killing ability against K562 tumor cells. In general, the present results suggest that NK cells pre-exposed to 0.4-T SMF show potential as a tool for immune-therapy treatment of cancer.     

青海一株蚕豆根瘤菌的鉴定及抗旱性评价

【目的】研究青海干旱地区蚕豆根瘤菌的遗传多样性,获得与蚕豆品种共生匹配且具有耐旱性的根瘤菌株,促进蚕豆耐旱根瘤菌在青海干旱地区生产中的应用。【方法】以分离自青海干旱地区一株菌株QHCD22为材料,利用细菌形态学、生理生化指标鉴定、Biolog细菌鉴定系统、16S rRNA基因序列分析、全基因组分析等进行菌种鉴定和系统发育分析,进一步通过PEG6000模拟干旱胁迫、盆栽回接干旱胁迫处理及旱作田间接种验证试验对该菌株的耐旱性进行综合评价。【结果】QHCD22菌株属快生型根瘤菌属(Rhizobium),Rhizobium indicum种。随着PEG6000模拟干旱胁迫程度的加剧,在−0.6 mPa这一更低渗透势时菌株存活数量增高,浊度由61.48%上升到69.42%,表现出较强的耐旱性。盆栽试验表明,接种根瘤菌处理(NA)的株高、植株鲜干比、根瘤数、根瘤鲜重、叶绿素含量(SPAD)、叶片相对含水量(RWC)、脯氨酸含量(PRO)、超氧化物歧化酶活性(SOD)、根系活力(TCC)均高于不接种根瘤菌处理(NN),并且在正常供水条件下,NA处理的各指标也均高于NN处理。旱作田间验证试验表明接种该菌株显著提高固氮酶活性,青海13号蚕豆根瘤固氮酶活性由不接种的42.07 C₂H₄ nmol/(g·h)显著增加到221.78 C₂H₄ nmol/(g·h),青蚕14号蚕豆由40.60 C₂H₄ nmol/(g·h)显著增加到109.78 C₂H₄ nmol/(g·h),马牙蚕豆由33.41 C₂H₄ nmol/(g·h)显著增加到643.15 C₂H₄ nmol/(g·h)。接种根瘤菌对于增加产量具有促进作用,其中青蚕14号的增产效果显著,增产幅度达32.3%。【结论】QHCD22菌株可能为快生型根瘤菌属的一个种Rhizobium indicum,具有一定的耐旱性,研究表明接种根瘤菌可以提高蚕豆的耐旱性,尤其对干旱敏感型蚕豆品种增产效果显著,具有潜在的应用前景。     

Effect of a static magnetic field on formaldehyde biodegradation in wastewater by activated sludge

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a static magnetic field (MF) of 7 mT on formaldehyde (FA) biodegradation by activated sludge in synthetic wastewater. The MF had a positive effect on activated sludge biomass growth and dehydrogenase activity. The influence of the MF on the degradation process was observed with a FA concentration of 2400-2880 mg/l. Decreases in FA concentration and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were greater, by 30% and 26% respectively, than those in the control sample. At initial FA concentrations in raw wastewater of 2400 and 2880 mg/l, a decrease in the wastewater biodegradation efficiency was observed. This resulted in an increase of the ecotoxicity of the effluent to Daphnia magna. The value of the sludge biotic index (SBI) was dependent on the FA concentration in raw wastewater and the induction of the MF.     

纳米管和镉对蚕豆幼苗根系的毒害效应

以蚕豆幼苗为实验材料,采用水培法研究不同浓度(0、2、4、8、16 mg·L~(-1))羟基化多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs-OH)与10μmol·L~(-1)镉(Cd)单一和联合作用对蚕豆幼苗根系生长、生理及Cd含量的影响。结果表明:(1)单一MWCNTs-OH处理下,随着MWCNTs-OH浓度(2～8 mg·L~(-1))的增加,蚕豆的根长度增加,且■产生速率增加的同时会伴随着SOD、POD活性升高。(2)单一Cd处理的幼苗根系MDA含量和■产生速率均高于对照,其中■产生速率较对照增加了1.98倍。(3)MWCNTs-OH联合处理诱导了蚕豆根■的产生和MDA含量增加,16 mg·L~(-1) MWCNTs-OH和Cd共同作用对蚕豆幼苗根的损伤最大,会促使部分根尖细胞受损脱落,Cd含量明显下降。研究发现,低浓度MWCNTs-OH可促进蚕豆的根生长,降低Cd的毒性;高浓度MWCNTs-OH(16 mg·L~(-1))和Cd对蚕豆幼苗根的致毒性表现为协同效应。     

Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a novel and promising natural candidate for tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus) control

Lavandula angustifolia is a well known herbal medicine with a variety of useful properties, including its acaricidal effect. This experiment was carried out to study the bioacaricidal activity of L. angustifolia essential oil (EO) against engorged Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (Acari; Ixodidae) females. For this purpose six serial concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0% w/v) of L. angustifolia EO were used. There was considerable mortality in concentrations more than 4.0% although there were no differences between 6.0 and 8.0% in all measured criteria. The mortality rate 24 h after inoculation was 73.26 and 100% in groups treated with 4.0 and 8.0% EO, respectively. Lavender EO also reduced tick egg weight in a concentration-dependent manner. The amount of eggs produced varied from 0.12 g (at 0.5% EO) to 0.00 g (at 8.0% EO) but did not differ statistically from the control. L. angustifolia EO caused 100% failure in egg laying at 6.0 and 8.0% whereas this value in the control group was zero. A positive correlation between L. angustifolia EO concentration and tick control, assessed by relative mortality rate and egg-laying weight, was observed by the EO LC/EC₅₀, which, when calculated using the Probit test, was 2.76-fold higher than the control. Lavender is a promising acaricidal against R. (B.) annulatusin vitro.     

Assessment of the genotoxicity of olive mill waste water (OMWW) with the Vicia faba micronucleus test

The present study concerns the genotoxicity of olive mill waste water (OMWW) generated in mills producing olive oil in Morocco. The Vicia faba micronucleus test was used to evaluate the genotoxicity of OMWW and the six major phenolic compounds identified by HPLC in this effluent. Five dilutions of OMWW were tested: 0.1, 1, 5, 10 and 20%. Maleic hydrazide was used as a positive control. The results showed that OMWW was genotoxic at 10% dilution. In order to investigate the components involved in this genotoxicity, the six major phenols present in this effluent, oleuropein, gallic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, caffeic acid, paracoumaric acid and veratric acid, were studied at concentrations corresponding to the genotoxic concentration of the OMWW itself. Two phenols, gallic acid and oleuropein induced a significant increase in micronucleus frequency in Vicia faba; the four other phenols had no significant genotoxic effect. These results suggest that under the experimental conditions of our assay, OMWW genotoxicity was associated with gallic acid and oleuropein.     

准噶尔盆地梭梭、白梭梭植物构型特征

荒漠植物构型是植物与环境相互作用、相互适应的最终产物,其与功能的相互作用与互馈关系决定了荒漠植被的发展与演替。选择准噶尔盆地天然梭梭(Haloxylon ammodendron)、天然白梭梭(Haloxylon persicum)和人工种植梭梭(Haloxylon ammodendron)为研究对象,系统研究了天然梭梭、天然白梭梭和人工梭梭分枝率、分枝角度、分枝长度和枝径比等构型特征,对比研究了天然生境梭梭和人工种植梭梭构型差异,探讨了荒漠植物结构-功能特征及其对环境的响应与适应机理。结果表明:天然梭梭、天然白梭梭和人工梭梭的总体分枝率及逐布分枝率(SRB_1:2、SRB_2:3)均差异显著(P<0.05),且总体分枝率均较低,分别为0.35±0.23、0.50±0.42和0.15±0.05。天然梭梭、天然白梭梭和人工梭梭的分枝角度差异均不显著(P<0.05),从第1级到第4级均有减小趋势,角度均小于90°。天然梭梭、天然白梭梭和人工梭梭分枝长度从第1级到第4级排序为天然白梭梭>天然梭梭>人工梭梭,且天然梭梭、天然白梭梭和人工梭梭枝条伸展能力从第1级到第4级呈现相对减弱的趋势。天然梭梭、天然白梭梭和人工梭梭枝径比平均值分别为0.66、0.68和0.69。总体上,天然生境中梭梭、白梭梭构型为不同宽窄的"V"型,而人工梭梭呈现椭球形构型。     

入侵植物香丝草水浸提液对蚕豆和玉米根尖染色体行为的影响

以采自农田中自然生长的植物群落中的香丝草为供体,以典型的双子叶植物蚕豆和典型的单子叶植物玉米的幼苗为受体,运用根尖微核试验和染色体畸变试验,研究了香丝草的根、茎、叶和幼果4种器官水浸提液对受体的遗传毒性。结果表明:(1)在香丝草不同器官水浸提液作用下,蚕豆和玉米根尖细胞的有丝分裂各时期均受到明显影响,细胞中出现了微核、染色体桥、染色体断片、染色体环、染色体粘连及染色体滞后等多种染色体畸变。(2)香丝草各器官水浸提液对蚕豆幼苗根尖细胞分裂的抑制作用明显大于玉米。(3)香丝草各器官水浸提液对蚕豆和玉米幼苗根尖的染色体畸变诱导存在显著的浓度效应,即水浸提液浓度越高,受体的微核率和畸变率越高,相应的有丝分裂指数越低,水浸提液的诱导作用与浓度呈正相关关系,但不是简单的加和作用。(4)香丝草各器官水浸提液均具有较强的遗传毒性,但整体化感效应表现为叶＞幼果＞茎＞根,即叶片产生的化感作用最强。因此,香丝草分泌的化感物质可能通过对受体植物生长点的细胞有丝分裂和细胞形态产生影响,造成受体植物染色体的多种畸变和不可逆的遗传损伤,从而成功入侵新的栖息地。     

New method for electroporation of Lactobacillus species grown in high salt

We here describe a new method for electroporation of Lactobacillus species, obligately homofermentative and facultatively heterofermentative, based on the cell-wall weakening resulting from growth in high-salt media. For L. casei, optimum transformation efficiency of up to 10⁵ transformants per microgram of plasmid DNA was achieved following growth in the presence of 0.9 M NaCl. Plasmids of different sizes and replication origins were also similarly transformed. These competent cells could be used either directly or stored frozen, up to 1 month, for future use, with similar efficiency. This protocol was assayed with different Lactobacillus species: L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis, L. paracasei, L. plantarum and L. acidophilus, and it was found that they were transformed with similar efficiency.     

Septal pore complex morphology in the Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota) with emphasis on the Cantharellales and Hymenochaetales

The ultrastructure of septa and septum-associated septal pore caps are important taxonomic markers in the Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota, Fungi). The septal pore caps covering the typical basidiomycetous dolipore septum are divided into three main phenotypically recognized morphotypes: vesicular-tubular (including the vesicular, sacculate, tubular, ampulliform, and globular morphotypes), imperforate, and perforate. Until recently, the septal pore cap-type reflected the higher-order relationships within the Agaricomycotina. However, the new classification of Fungi resulted in many changes including revision of existing and addition of new orders. Therefore, the septal pore cap ultrastructure of more than 325 species as reported in literature was related to this new classification. In addition, the septal pore cap ultrastructures of Rickenella fibula and Cantharellus formosus were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Both fungi have dolipore septa associated with perforate septal pore caps. These results combined with data from the literature show that the septal pore cap-type within orders of the Agaricomycotina is generally monomorphic, except for the Cantharellales and Hymenochaetales.It appears from the fungal phylogeny combined with the septal pore cap ultrastructure that the vesicular-tubular and the imperforate type both may have arisen from endoplasmic reticulum. Thereafter, the imperforate type eventually gave rise to the perforate septal pore cap-type.     

Diversity,host associations,and phylogeography of temperate aurofusarin-producing Hypomyces/Cladobotryum including causal agents of cobweb disease of cultivated mushrooms

Temperate species of Hypomyces and Cladobotryum that produce the red pigment aurofusarin are common on agaricoid and polyporoid basidiomata of species from five orders of Agaricomycetes. Several cause cobweb disease of commercially cultivated mushrooms resulting in serious losses. We sequenced rpb1, rpb2, tef1, and FG1093 regions in 90 wild strains and 30 strains from mushroom farms, isolated from Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Multigene analyses support the distinctness of five species but reveal Hypomyces rosellus to be paraphyletic, comprising several cryptic lineages. Hypomyces rosellus s. str. is characterised by wide dispersal and gene flow across Eurasia but does not occur in North America. Instead, the lineages from the West and the East Coast appear distinct, having given rise to species inhabiting the Southern Hemisphere. Our results reveal wide misuse of the name H. rosellus, especially for cobweb isolates. The majority of these belong to Hypomyces odoratus, including a weakly supported group of fungicide-resistant strains from Europe and North America sharing identical sequence data. New collections are presented for Cladobotryum rubrobrunnescens and Cladobotryum tenue as well as Cladobotryum multiseptatum and Hypomyces dactylarioides, all previously known only from their type material. The former species pair occurs in Europe and the latter in Australia and New Zealand. Separate lineages appear to be maintained by geographic isolation in North America and temperate Australasia but by host specialisation in the species occurring sympatrically in Europe and Asia. Both specialist and generalist host use strategies have evolved in the group. Although teleomorphs are known in most of the species and unnamed lineages, analyses of the five-gene regions suggest the prevalence of clonal reproduction in H. odoratus. This can be the reason for its success in mushroom farms, also facilitating the spread of fungicide resistance. While tef1 and rpb2 can be recommended for species delimitation, low variation, not exceeding 1 % in the whole ingroup, impeaches the use of ITS as a barcoding gene region in this group of fungi.     

Immobilization of bioluminescent Escherichia coli cells using natural and artificial fibers treated with polyethyleneimine

Biosensors based on whole-cell bioluminescence have the potential to become a cost-effective alternative to conventional detection methods upon validation of target selectivity and sensitivity. However, quantitative analysis of bioluminescence is greatly hindered due to lack of control over the total number of cells in a suspending culture. In this study, the effect of surface properties of genetically engineered luminous E. coli cells and fibrous matrices on the immobilization capacity and effectiveness under various environmental conditions were characterized. Four different fibers, including cotton, polyester, viscose rayon, and silk, were investigated. Although cell adhesion was observed on untreated viscose and cotton fibers, viscose fiber pretreated with 0.667% polyethyleneimine (PEI) was found capable of immobilizing the most viable E. coli DPD2234 cells, followed by viscose treated with 0.33% and 1% PEI. The cells immobilized on PEI-treated viscose remained viable and yielded 20% or more bioluminescence signals immediately upon contact with the inducer up to 72 h without feeding nutrients to the cells, suggesting that viscose treated with 0.667% PEI could provide a stable immobilization mechanism for bioluminescent E. coli cells with long sensing period, quick response time, and good signal reproducibility.     

The embryonic and post-embryonic development in two Drosophila species exposed to the static magnetic field of 60 mT

In this study, a static magnetic field influence on development and viability in two different species, Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila hydei, was investigated. Both species completed development (egg–adult), in and out of the static magnetic field induced by double horseshoe magnet. Treated vials with eggs were placed in the gap between magnetic poles (47 mm) and exposed to the average magnetic induction of 60 mT, while control ones were kept far enough from magnetic field source. We found that exposure to the static magnetic field reduced development time in both species, but statistical significance was found only for D. hydei. Furthermore, we found that the average viability of both Drosophila species exposed to the magnetic field was significantly weaker compared to control ones. These results indicate that 60 mT static magnetic field could be considered as a potential stressor, influencing on different levels the embryonic and post-embryonic development of individuals.     

Toxocara canis: Potential activity of natural products against second-stage larvae in vitro and in vivo

The anthelmintic activity of extracts from Chenopodiumambrosioides, Pycnanthusangolensis and Nutridesintox® was in vitro and in vivo investigated, against Toxocaracanis larvae. The in vitro assays results showed that the aqueous extract of Nutridesintox® was the most effective, followed by C. ambrosioides extracts, hexane, dichloromethane and the infusion. P. angolensis extracts showed a lower anthelmintic activity compared to the other natural products. For the in vivo assays, Nutridesintox®, the hexane extract and the infusion of C. ambrosioides were administered orally to T. canis-infected mice, in single doses, during three consecutive days. The efficacy was evaluated on the 17th day post-infection, not only by counting T. canis larvae in the tissues but also by ELISA detection of IgM and IgG antibodies and histological analysis of liver and lungs. The different treatments did not reduce the larvae burden and had no influence on the antibodies dynamic. Interestingly, a reduction on the inflammatory infiltrates was observed in the liver and lung sections of the group treated with the hexane extract of C. ambrosioides. In conclusion, the hexane extract of C. ambrosioides is of further research interest, as it showed an anthelmintic activity in vitro and a reduction on the inflammatory reaction produced by the infection of T. canis larvae in vivo.     

RPB2 sequences reveal a close phylogenetic relationship between tetraploid Hordelymus and diploid Hordeum species in Triticeae (Poaceae)

The origin of Hordelymus genome has been debated for years, and no consensus conclusion was reached. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the RPB2 (RNA polymerase subunit II) gene from Hordelymus europaeus (L.) Harz, and its potential diploid ancestor species those were suggested in previous studies. The focus of this study was to examine the phylogenetic relationship of Hordelymus genomes with its potential donor Hordeum, Psathyrostachys, and Taeniatherum species. Two distinguishable copies of sequences were obtained from H. europaeus. The obvious difference between the two copies of sequences is a 24 bp indel (insertion/deletion). Phylogenetic analysis showed a strong affinity between Hordeum genome and Hordelymus with 85% bootstrap support. These results suggested that one genome in tetraploid H. europaeus closely related to the genome in Hordeum species. Another genome in H. europaeus is sister to the genomes in Triticeae species examined here, which corresponds well with the recently published EF-G data. No obvious relationship was found between Hordelymus and either Ta genome donor, Taeniatherum caput-medusae or Ns genome donor, Psathyrostachys juncea. Our data does not support the presence of Ta and Ns genome in H. europaeus, and further confirms that H. europaeus is allopolyploid.     

Antioxidant metabolism of grapefruit infected with Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri

Grapefruit is one of the most susceptible citrus genotypes to Asiatic Citrus Canker, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), that can cause severe losses in citrus yield and quality. Although much is known about citrus response to Xac, little is known of the role of antioxidant metabolism. Grapefruit leaves were artificially injected with a strain of Xac obtained from a commercial grove in Florida and components of oxidative metabolism were measured. Symptoms observed included water soaking (2 dai; days after inoculation), raised and ruptured epidermis (6-8 dai), formation of necrotic lesions (16 dai), and leaf abscission (21 dai). The Xac population increased to a maximum (≈10⁹ CFU/cm²) 8 dai and then declined to ≈10⁷ CFU/cm² by 20 dai. Lipid peroxidation was higher in infected leaves than uninoculated controls from 4 to 21 dai indicating greater oxidative stress. H₂O₂ concentration demonstrated a biphasic pattern with peak concentrations at 4 and 13 dai and minimum concentrations that were lower than the controls at 10 and 20 dai. The H₂O₂ concentration somewhat corresponded with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which generates H₂O₂ via dismutase of superoxide ions. Total SOD activity in Xac-infected leaves increased to a maximum at 4 dai, the day of highest H₂O₂ concentration, and then declined and remained at or below controls. Mn-SOD and Fe-SOD activities both increased to maximum activities at 4 dai. Mn-SOD had four isoforms in Xac-infected leaves but only three in the controls. Fe-SOD had three isoforms in both infected and control plants. Suppression of H₂O₂ in Xac-infected leaves also corresponded to higher activities of the H₂O₂ catabolising enzymes catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOD), and peroxidase (POD). Two additional CAT isoforms were detected in infected leaves and not the controls. Three POD isoforms were detected in both control and infected leaves. Previous research has shown that Xac is sensitive to intraplant H₂O₂ concentration, however, the pattern of Xac in this study did not correspond to H₂O₂ concentration, which initially increased due to enhanced SOD activity, but was later suppressed apparently with the aid of peroxidases. In conclusion, Xac infection altered H₂O₂ metabolism in grapefruit leaves by changes in the activities and isoforms of SODs, CATs, PODs and APOD.