UVA + B treatment affects antioxidant system and phytochemicals of parsley plant under different concentrations of Zn

Abstract

Decline in ozone layer that followed by enhanced solar UV radiation is a limiting factor for some plants. In this study the effect of UVA+UVB radiation on parsley plant was studied hydroponically at different concentrations of Zn (1.5 and 6.5 µm). UV radiation at both concentrations of Zn, slightly decreased the plant growth and significantly increased the carotenoids, flavonoids, total phenols and H2O2 contents, but had no effect on chlorophylls content. At concentration of 1.5 µm of Zn, UV radiation caused significant increases in the MDA and anthocyanin contents and the activities of POD and CAT enzymes, but decreased the soluble sugars and protein contents. At concentration of 6.5 µm of Zn, UV radiation caused significant increases in the CAT activity, but had no significant effect on other parameters. Results suggest that parsley plant tolerates UVA+UVB radiation particularly at concentration of 6.5 µmof Zn.

Keywords

• antioxidant enzymes
• parsley
• photochemicals
• UVA B
• Zn