Promotional effects of aluminum on antioxidant system of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora L.)

Rooted cuttings of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora L.) were treated with aluminum as AlCl3 to a final concentration of 0.88 mM at a constant pH of 4.5 for 96 hours. Significant increases were observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase of roots of Al-treated plants as compared to those of the corresponding control plants. The activity of peroxidases and the level of peroxidation of membrane lipids of the aluminum -treated plants were significantly lower than those of the control plants. About 40% of supplied aluminum was absorbed by lisianthus plants during 96 h treatment. The results suggested that not only aluminum did not have any detrimental effects on lisianthus roots but also it triggered the activation of enzymatic antioxidant system of the plant. Therefore, Al can be introduced as a beneficial element for the growth of lisianthus plant.