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Published on: February 7, 2018
Rye oxidative stress under long term Al exposure
Sónia Silva1, Glória Pinto, Barbara Correia
1CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Journal of Plant Physiology
|March 30, 2013
Summary
Rye (Secale cereale L.) genotypes show varied antioxidant responses to long-term aluminum (Al) exposure. Understanding these responses in roots and leaves is key to improving Al tolerance in crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Environmental Stress Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major abiotic stress limiting plant growth, particularly in acidic soils.
- Secale cereale L. (rye) is recognized for its significant Al tolerance compared to other crop species.
- Understanding the biochemical mechanisms underlying Al tolerance in rye is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term antioxidant responses of two contrasting rye genotypes ('D. Zlote' and 'Riodeva') to aluminum exposure.
- To differentiate the Al-induced oxidative stress responses between roots and leaves under varying Al concentrations and exposure durations.
- To elucidate the role of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Al tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of 'D. Zlote' and 'Riodeva' rye genotypes to 1.11 and 1.85mM Al for 2 and 3 weeks.
- Quantification of antioxidant enzyme activities, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (G-POX).
- Assessment of the oxidation state of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) pools in roots and leaves.
Main Results:
- Aluminum toxicity symptoms, like reduced root growth, appeared earlier in the 'Riodeva' genotype.
- Antioxidant enzyme activities (APX, SOD, G-POX) and AsA-GSH cycle function varied significantly based on genotype, organ, Al concentration, and exposure time.
- While Al-exposed roots showed complex responses, leaf antioxidant enzyme activities generally increased, with transient oxidation of AsA and GSH pools.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the involvement of the AsA-GSH cycle in detoxifying Al-induced oxidative stress in rye.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production did not directly correlate with the observed decrease in root growth, suggesting complex signaling pathways.
- Long-term Al exposure reveals genotypic differences in tolerance mechanisms, providing valuable insights into rye's adaptive strategies.
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