Does Aluminium Phytotoxicity Induce Oxidative Stress in Greengram (vigna Radiata)?

To verify whether aluminium phytotoxicity causes oxidative stress in developing greengram seedlings, the present investigation was carried out. An uniform decrease in root and shoot elongations was marked as the primary signs of aluminium injury. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation measured in terms of TBARS content was noticed which was also correlated with an increase in membrane injury index. The increase in peroxide content was accompanied by a decrease in catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) activity. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.9), peroxidase (POX, EC 1.11.1.6) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) activities increased with increasing aluminium concentrations. Both glutathione and ascorbate contents showed a decrease at a higher metal concentration. These results suggested an induction of oxidative stress in developing greengram seedlings under aluminium phytotoxicity.