Effect of 24-epibrassinolide on the growth and antioxidant enzyme activities in radish seedlings under lead toxicity

The supplementation of 24-epibrassinolide reduced lead (Pb) toxicity and enhanced the growth in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase showed an increase in brassinosteroid treated Pb-stressed seedlings when compared to control as well as lead alone treated seedlings. Supplementation of 24-epibrassinolide to Pb stress treatments was also associated with reduced peroxidase activity and increase in the total glutathione content. The studies demonstrated the ameliorating ability of 24epibrassinolide in scavenging the reactive oxygen species thereby reducing the oxidative stress induced by Pb in radish seedlings.