Activity of antioxidant enzymes and proline accumulation in Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds subjected to abiotic stresses during germination

Renata Conduru Ribeiro,Janete Rodrigues Matias,Bárbara França Dantas,Claudinéia Regina Pelacani

doi:10.1590/2317-1545v32n2956

Renata Conduru Ribeiro, Janete Rodrigues Matias + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1545v32n2956

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different abiotic stresses on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and on accumulation of proline in Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds during germination. Mulungu seeds were scarified and placed to germinate at constant temperatures of 15, 25, and 35 ºC, moistened with distilled water, and exposed to 12 h of light. Other seeds were exposed to solutions of NaCl (EC of 0, 4, and 8 dS.m-1) and polyethylene glycol (osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.2, and - 0.6 MPa) and maintained in a germination chamber set at 25 ºC and 12 h photoperiod for seven days. At the end of each period of imbibition, the embryonic axis and cotyledons of the seedlings were collected separately and used to quantify proline content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These were detected in both the cotyledons and embryonic axis of the mulungu seeds. Antioxidant activity varied depending upon the type and degree of stress applied. It was concluded that under the aspect of the detoxification process, the mechanism found in mulungu seeds is more efficient when subjected to different temperatures followed by salt stress and water stress.

Highlights

IntroductionSome plant species native to the Caatinga (a xeric shrubland and thorn forest in Brazil) are of great biological importance due to their potential for popular use, evaluated through ethnobotanical surveys
Some plant species native to the Caatinga are of great biological importance due to their potential for popular use, evaluated through ethnobotanical surveys
Erythrina velutina Willd. (Leguminosae–Papilionoideae), a forest species native to the Caatinga of the brazilian Northeastern region, has shown tolerance or adaptation mechanisms regarding abiotic stresses, especially thermal, saline, and water stresses (Ribeiro-Reis, 2012). This species produces a large quantity of viable seeds annually, and this is its main form of propagation

Summary

Introduction

Some plant species native to the Caatinga (a xeric shrubland and thorn forest in Brazil) are of great biological importance due to their potential for popular use, evaluated through ethnobotanical surveys. (Leguminosae–Papilionoideae), a forest species native to the Caatinga of the brazilian Northeastern region, has shown tolerance or adaptation mechanisms regarding abiotic stresses, especially thermal, saline, and water stresses (Ribeiro-Reis, 2012) This species produces a large quantity of viable seeds annually, and this is its main form of propagation. There are no published studies that deal with the physiological and biochemical changes in seeds from species native to the Caatinga, with a focus on the relation among enzyme activities in the different parts of the seeds during germination under different abiotic stresses Most of these stresses, such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold may disturb the metabolic balance of cells, resulting in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), such as the superoxide radical (.O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH.). Plants have developed an elaborate and efficient network of mechanisms for elimination that allow them to overcome the toxicity of ROSs (Bailey-Serres and Mittler, 2006; Foyer and Noctor, 2005)

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