The effects of foliar application of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation and proline accumulation of canola (Brassica napus L.) under conditions of salt stress

The effects of salt stress on protein (PROT) content, lipid peroxidation, proline accumulation, chlorophyll (Chl) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activity were studied in the leaves and roots of canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Okapi). Four weeks after sowing (at the V-4 stage), plants were exposed to salt stress by the application of NaCl solution (200 mM) for 6 days daily, After 6 days followed by foliar application of ascorbic acid (AsA) solution (25 mM). The activity of all the antioxidant enzymes assayed (except SOD in the roots) was increased significantly in the plants under conditions of salt stress. The application of AsA decreased enzyme activity in the leaves, but it had no effect on enzyme activity in the roots. The total PROT content of the leaves and roots decreased under the conditions of high salinity. AsA treatment of plants under salt stress increased the total PROT content significantly in both leaves and roots. Measurement of the malondialdehyde content of leaves and roots showed that lipid peroxidation was increased by interaction with damaging reactive oxygen species during salt stress, and that application of AsA reduced lipid peroxidation only in the leaves. The Chl content was also affected by salt stress. There was significant difference between the controls and salt-stress treatments in Chl content. The results of the present study indicate that usage of AsA reduces the harmful effects of salinity and increases resistance to salinity in canola plant.