Changes in Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Sunflower Leaves of Different Ages

Role of superoxide dismutase isozymes and other antioxidant enzymes was studied in relation to leaf age in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. ACC 1508) at pre-flowering and grain filling stages. Relative water content (RWC) did not change much in leaves of different age and at the two stages. Protein content declined continuously from the youngest to the oldest leaf, while chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids (Car) contents increased down to 7th/9th leaf and declined in subsequent older leaves. Protein, Chl and Car contents were higher at pre-flowering than at seed filling stage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), its isozymes, and ascorbate peroxidase (APO) and catalase (CAT) activities were highest in the 9th leaf and declined in subsequent older leaves. SOD and APO activities were higher at seed filling, except in oldest senescent (13th, 15th) leaves. Among SOD isozymes, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD activities accounted for most of the total SOD, and only marginal activity was observed for Fe-SOD. Peroxidase activity increased from youngest to the oldest leaf at pre-flowering stage and down to 13th leaf at seed filling stage.