Differences in antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative markers in ten wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes in response to drought, heat and paraquat stress

ABSTRACT

Changes in enzymatic antioxidants and oxidative injury were evaluated in leaves of 10 wheat genotypes under drought, heat and paraquat (PQ) stress. The seedlings of wheat were germinated in plastic pots and grown in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions. Each treatment was performed at the 4th–5th leaf stage. Antioxidant enzyme activities catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX), lipid peroxidation (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production, chlorophyll content and cell membrane leakage were determined. Results indicated that the three treatments decreased membrane stability, chlorophyll content and increased the LPO, H₂O₂ content and activities of CAT and GPOX. The ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences between genotypes in response to the various treatments imposed. Wheat genotypes Bidi 17, Beliouni and Djennah khetifa showed the lowest LPO and H₂O₂ content and the highest total chlorophyll content, relative electrolyte leakage (REL), CAT and GPOX activities, while Colosseo, Waha, Vitron and Benisuif showed the lowest antioxidant defends, lowest REL and the highest H₂O₂ and MDA contents. Oued zenati, Beltagy and Bousselam showed intermediate response in terms of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Durum wheat
• lipid peroxidation
• oxidative stress
• catalase
• peroxidase
• chlorophyll content

Acknowledgment

The authors are very grateful to Dr. Abdelkader Benbelkacem, Research Director of the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Algeria – Constantine, for providing the wheat seeds.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique, Gouvernement de la République Algérienne Démocratique et Populaire.