Effects of double stress on antioxidant enzyme activity in Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek

Abstract The effects of double stress environment i.e. lead (heavy metal) and NaCl (saline) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in Vigna radiata seedling were studied. The antioxidant activities of enzymes, i.e of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase and their activity proportions were examined. Superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were substantially increased in a combined stress environment as compared to catalase. Further, in comparison with catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase showed increased activities together with superoxide dismutase in a combined stress environment. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase showed higher activity proportion in combined treatment. Physiological role of these enzymes in stress tolerance mechanism is discussed.