Effects of exogenous glycinebetaine on cadmium-induced changes in photosynthetic performance, antioxidative metabolism and ATPase in cucumber seedlings

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the ameliorative effects of exogenous glycinebetaine (GB) upon cadmium (Cd) toxicity in cucumber seedlings. The results indicated that 50 μmol/L Cd stress decreased soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, height, root length, seedling biomass, activities ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and ATPase leaves, stems roots; however, increased (POD) superoxide dismutase (SOD) all tissues, catalase (CAT) stems/roots. Moreover, also elevated leaf/root malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, phenols flavonoid content tissues over control. supplementation GB (Cd + GB) prominently alleviated Cd-induced growth inhibition oxidative stress, SPAD value stem ATPase, improved photosynthetic performance compared with treatment alone. Furthermore, external diminished MDA accumulation proline contents as well tissues. Meanwhile, counteracted alterations certain antioxidant enzymes. For example, it brought tissue POD SOD stem/root CAT down towards control level significantly APX activities, especially leaves stems. These data suggested principal protective mechanism for against seedlings is closely related photosynthesis, accumulation, enhanced modulation