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Decline in ascorbate peroxidase activity--a prerequisite factor for tepal senescence in gladiolus
Zahed Hossain1, Abul Kalam Azad Mandal, Subodh Kumar Datta
1Botanic Garden & Floriculture, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Journal of Plant Physiology
|January 10, 2006
Summary
Flower senescence in Gladiolus involves decreasing fresh weight and membrane integrity. Antioxidant enzyme activity varies, with ascorbate peroxidase decreasing and superoxide dismutase increasing, alongside rising hydrogen peroxide levels.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Flower senescence is a complex developmental process.
- Understanding senescence mechanisms is crucial for extending flower vase life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and biochemical changes during Gladiolus flower senescence.
- To analyze the roles of antioxidant enzymes and membrane integrity in tepal senescence.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring fresh weight, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and membrane stability index (MSI).
- Assessing activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR).
- Quantifying endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels at different developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Tepal fresh weight and membrane integrity (MSI) significantly decreased during senescence.
- Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) increased, indicating membrane deterioration.
- APX activity declined, while SOD activity increased progressively; GR activity showed an initial rise then a sharp decline.
- Endogenous H2O2 levels increased significantly, particularly at complete wilting.
Conclusions:
- Declining APX activity and increasing H2O2 are likely key factors initiating senescence in Gladiolus tepals.
- Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and membrane integrity are closely linked to the senescence process.
