Salt-induced Changes of Antioxidant Enzymes Activity in Winter Canola (Brassica napus) Cultivars in Growth Chamber

Abstract The effect of salinity was assessed on the activity of some major antioxidant enzymes i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), in the seedlings’ roots or shoots of three winter canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars, Colvert (tolerant), Symbol (semi tolerant) and Agat (susceptible). Seedlings were treated with 0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl for 24 h in hydropoic conditions. The data were analyzed, using two-factorial balanced analysis of variance on the basis of completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed significant differences among cultivars and among salt treatments. With increasing level of salt treatment, the fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots were reduced in the cultivars under study; Colvert was influenced less than the other two canola cultivars. Salt stress enhanced the activity of SOD, POD and CAT. Almost, the maximum activity of these enzymes was detected in Colvert, the salt tolerant cultivar, followed by the other two cultivars.