Role of Zinc deficiency in photosynthetic pigments and peroxidase activity of tomato seedlings

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is occurring in different climate regions and almost in all countries. Zinc deficiency is acommon micronutrient deficiency in plants and causes severe reductions in crop production. In this study theeffect of zinc deficiency on pigment content and peroxidase activity in early growth phase of tomato seedlingswas investigated. For this purpose, Hoagland solutions with or without zinc (ZnCl2) were used as growthmedium to determine the possible effects of zinc deficiency. In order to elucidate the physiological consequencesof zinc deficiency; anthocyanin, carotenoid, and chlorophyll content and peroxidase enzyme activity weremeasured in roots, hypocotyls, and cotyledons of 8 day-old plants. Zn deficiency promoted anthocyanin andcarotenoid accumulation in hypocotyl and cotyledon tissues of tomato seedlings. Furthermore, Zn deficiencyenhanced peroxidase activity especially in the root and hypocotyl tissues of tomato seedlings.