Antioxidant enzymes activity and physiological response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M.) genotypes under mild temperature stress

Tomato being sensitive to high temperature experiences mild to high temperature stresses under climate change conditions. To understand the response of tomato genotypes to mild temperature stress, a study was conducted in temperature gradient tunnel facility. The results revealed that across the genotypes studied, specific activity of antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and glutathione reductase (GR) increased significantly. Among the genotypes, increase in SOD activity was highest in cv. Arka Vikas, followed by IIHR 2195 and least in Abhinava. The GR activity was highest in Abhinava, followed by IIHR 2195 and least in cv. Arka Vikas. The mild temperature stress caused reduction in catalase (CAT) activity. The decrease in CAT activity and concomitant increase in POX activity was observed in cv. Arka Vikas. Low leaf water potential (Ψleaf) and higher electrolyte leakage indicated that the membrane integrity was affected across the tomato genotypes even under mild temperature stress. Among the genotypes studied, cv. Arka Vikas showed greater activity of SOD and POX, higher membrane stability and least reduction in water potential under mild temperature stress. © 2014 Indian Society for Plant Physiology.