N. Dash, I. Rath and S.P. Adhikary
Abstract
In this study, the effects of different concentrations of aqueous phyllode-leachate (2, 4, 6, 8 and10 %) of Acacia auriculaeformis on antioxidant enzymes in first leaves of ragi were investigated. Ragi seedlings were incubated in petridishes containing different concentrations of aqueous phyllode-leachate of the test tree. The leaf tissues were collected at an interval of three days i.e. from 6 days after soaking (DAS) to 15 DAS. The results showed that the leaf peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were increased and decreased catalase activity in leaves of ragi seedlings exposure to aqueous phyllode leachate of Acacia auriculaeformis in compared with control.Increase or decrease of enzymatic activities with phyllode-leachate of Acacia auriculaeformis due to presence of allelochemicals in the leachate. The oxidative stress produced by aqueous phyllode leachate of Acacia auriculaeformis through the activities of POD, SOD and CAT might have increased the rate of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is responsible for membrane peroxidation ultimately damage the cell and increased level of scavenging enzymes indicates their stimulation as a secondary defense mechanism.