EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY IN ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES FROM PEPPER PLANTS (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)

In order to determine the best biomarkers of the Mg critical value in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), some biochemical parameters, (i.e.
Mg content, chlorophyll, protein and ascorbate) as well as some enzymes of the anti-oxidative defense, such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX, E.C. 1.11.1.7), glutathione reductase (GR, E.C. 1.6.4.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, E.C. 1.15.1.1) were studied.
Under 45 days of Mg-deficiency (-Mg), a decrease in Mg content of the leaves appeared to be more drastic for intermediate leaves.
Moreover, Mg depletion induced a decrease in chlorophyll and leaf protein content.
GR activity remained constant within a Mg interval of 1.6 to 0.3%, and then increased below this latter value and became 2.5 fold higher in magnesium deficient L3 than in magnesium sufficient (+Mg) leaves.
SOD and APX activities remained constant for Mg values from 1.6% to 0.2% and then increased below this latter value.
SOD and APX were 2.6 and 1.75 fold higher in -Mg L3 than in +Mg leaves, respectively.
Enhancement of GR activity and ascorbate content represented the earliest cell response under Mg deficiency.
Thereby, this biochemical parameters could be valuable for the determination of the Mg critical value in Capsicum annuum plants.

V International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates: Current Trends for Suistainable Technologies

M. Anza, P. Riga

mineral deficiency, magnesium, Capsicum annuum L., oxidative stress

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.559.54