The effect of electromagnetic waves on photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzyme in Zea mays L

In order to investigate effects of electromagnetic wavelengths on content of antioxidant photosynthetic pigment in Zea mays L, petri dishes containing seeds soaked in water for 5 hours together with wet seeds were irradiated by electromagnetic waves (200 Gus intensity) every 8 hours and each time for about half an hour. After treatment the seeds were transferred to perlit and pitmass. 13 days old leaves were studied. Chemical analysis of acetone extract resulted from leaves, showed a decrease in the amount of chlorophyll a and b of under treatment samples compared to control. The difference between control and wet treatment samples was meaningful but there was not any significant difference between control and dry treatment samples. Under treatment samples revealed great increase in the amount of carotenoids and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proline compared to control samples. In addition significant increase was observed in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase related to wet treatment samples compare to control. However there was no significant difference between Off system treatment samples and control.

Keywords:

electromagnetic waves , non-enzymatic antioxidants , enzymatic antioxidants , photosynthetic pigments , Zea mays L