Magdalena Rybus-Zając
Oxidative stress generation in Taxus baccata leaves affected by Pestalotiopsis funerea under sunny and shaded conditions
Dendrobiology 2005, vol. 54: 51-56
Abstract: In the last few years on old yew trees growing in the parks and gardens extensive disease symptoms were observed on leaves, indicating affection with pathogenic microorganisms. The causal factor was the presence of a fungal pathogen, Pestalotiopsis funerea. Physiological responses involving the oxidative stress, i. e. superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide levels, and the superoxide dismutase were analyzed as an element of a plant defense mechanism. Diseased leaves from plants growing under sunny and shaded conditions, from May to July, were investigated. The increased generation of superoxide anion-radicals and hydrogen peroxide were observed in the leaves with disease symptoms simultaneously with the activation of superoxide dismutase, which may indicate the induction of host defense response to the P. funerea.
Additional key words:
Taxus, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase