Salt Stress Injury Induces Oxidative Alterations and Antioxidative Defence in the Roots of Lemna minor

Lemna minor L. roots were treated with different concentrations of NaCl. Lipid peroxidation was investigated histochemically and biochemically. At higher NaCl concentrations an increase in staining was observed in the root apices as compared to control for lipid peroxidation and loss of membrane integrity as well as an increase in contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and peroxide. Both the non-enzymic antioxidants, ascorbate and glutathione increased with the NaCl concentration in the roots. Whereas an increase in superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities were marked, catalase activity decreased in the roots under NaCl stress.