Effect of La(III) on the growth and aging of root of loquat plantlet in vitro

The effect of lanthanum on the adventitious root growth, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), O₂ production rate, MDA content, and the relative plasma membrane permeability in roots of loquat test-tube plantlet were studied. Addition of lanthanum chloride (0.5 μmol/L) to the culture medium significantly increased the length of roots, increased the dry weight, enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT, and POD, decreased O₂ production rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and the relative plasma membrane permeability. The relatively stable membrane structure of cell could defer the root aging of the plantlet in vitro. There are important theory meaning and practical value in applying LaCl₃ in the rooting medium to raise the rate of rooting and transplant for wood plant.