Oxidative stress and the activity ofantioxidant enzymes in mungbean seedling subjected to water stress

The effect of PEG induced moisture stress during seedling development on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activities were studied in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) using two cultivars namely tolerant K 851 and susceptible PDM 84–139 respectively. Water stress increased H₂O₂ content and TBARS content (lipid peroxidation) as well as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in both the cultivars compared to control. However, catalase activity decreased under water stress in both the cultivars tested. Tolerant genotype K 851 showed lower H₂O₂ and TBARS content and higher activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, peroxidase and catalase than susceptible PDM 84–139 in response to water stress.