Peroxide Levels and the Activities of Catalase, Peroxidase, and Indoleacetic Acid Oxidase during and after Chilling Cucumber Seedlings

The activities of catalase, peroxidase, indoleacetic acid (IAA) oxidase and peroxide levels in cucumber plants during and after chilling were determined. During 96 hours at 5 C and 85% relative humidity, catalase activity declined, IAA oxidase activity increased, and peroxide concentrations increased. Peroxidase activity was not affected by chilling. When chilled plants were returned to 25 C to recover, enzyme activities and peroxide concentration were restored to their prechilling levels. The increase in peroxide and IAA oxidase activity may inactivate or destroy IAA and thus retard growth.