The effect of drought stress on the activity of the anti-oxidative enzymes in Anis Hyssop

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum [Pursh] Kuntze) is a herbaceous, perennial, and aromatic plant which belongs to the Lamiaceae family and originated from the North America. It has various medicinal qualities and is used for curing stomach and liver inflammations as well as prostate problems. This plant is also applied in food and beverage industries. Given that dryness is one of the prominent features of Iran’s geography, the effect of drought stresses on agricultural products has been widely investigated. However, there appears to be a dearth of research on the enzyme-changes of the medicinal plants. The present experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The changes in the activity of the anti-oxidative enzymes (i.e. catalase, glutathione peroxides, superoxide dismutase) in Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum [Pursh] Kuntze) in response to drought stress were analyzed using 7 irrigation treatments which included: 100%, 85%, 70% and 55% field capacity, 100% field capacity (vegetative stage), -85% field capacity (reproductive stage), 100% field capacity (vegetative stage), -70% field capacity (reproductive stage), 85% field capacity (vegetative stage), and -100% field capacity (reproductive stage). On the basis of the results, the highest portion of the anti-oxidative enzymes was found in the 55% field capacity. It indicated that the plant applies enzymes in response to the drought conditions. Considering the high adaptability of this plant to drought stress conditions, its cultivation in dry areas is suggested.