Exogenous hydrogen peroxide increases dry matter production mineral content and level of osmotic solutes in young maize leaves and alleviates deleterious effects of copper stress

摘要

BackgroundThe effects of exogenously applied H2O2 on growth, water status, the mineral ion content (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Cu²⁺), proline, total sugars and soluble proteins were assessed in leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars, Akpinar and Pegaso exposed to excess copper (0.5 mM). Seedlings were grown in equal-sizes plastic pots and irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution containing H2O2 or/and copper. Different treatments taken for pot experiments were named as the control (C), H2O2 treatment only (H2O2), excess Cu (Cu) and, Cu stress combined with H2O2 pretreatment (Cu + H2O2).