Effects of Inoculation with Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria on the Physiology,Biochemistry,and Expression of Genes Related to the Protective Enzyme System of Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li

Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li is a widely used medicinal herb in treating pulmonary diseases.In recent years,its wild resources have become scarce,and the demand for efficient artificial cultivation has significantly increased.This article is the first to apply phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere soil of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li to the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The aim is to identify suitable reference strains for the artificial cultivation and industrial development of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li by examining the effects of various phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their combinations on photosynthesis,physiological and biochemical properties,and gene expression related to the protective enzyme system in F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The experiment,conducted in pots at room temperature,included a control group(CK)and groups inoculated with inorganic phosphorussolubilizing bacteria:W1(Bacillus cereus),W2(Serratia plymuthica),W12(Bacillus cereus and Serratia plymuthica),and groups inoculated with organophosphorus-solubilizing bacteria:Y1(Bacillus cereus),Y2(Bacillus cereus),Y12(Bacillus cereus and Bacillus cereus),totaling seven groups.Compared to CK,most growth indices in the bacterial addition groups showed significant differences,with W12 achieving the highest values in all indices except the leaf area index.The content of photosynthetic pigments,photosynthetic parameters,and osmoregulatory substances increased variably in each bacterial treatment group.W12 exhibited the highest content of chlorophyll a and soluble protein,while W1 had the highest free proline content.The activities of peroxidase(POD),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and catalase(CAT)in all inoculated groups were higher than in CK,with significant changes in SOD and CAT activities.The malondialdehyde(MDA)content in all inoculated groups was lower than in CK,with Y12 being the lowest,at approximately 30%of CK.Gene expression corresponding to these three enzymes also increased variably,with POD expression in Y2 being the highest at 2.73 times that of CK.SOD and CAT expression in Y12 were the highest,at 1.84 and 4.39 times that of CK,respectively.These results indicate that inoculating phosphate solubilizing bacteria can enhance the growth of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li,with the mixed inoculation groups W12 and Y12 demonstrating superior effects.This lays a theoretical foundation for selecting bacterial fertilizers in the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.

Lead Induced Disorders in Hematopoietic and DrugMetabolizing Enzyme System and Their Protection by Ascorbic Acid Supplementation

Effect of vitamin C supplementation in restoring lead induced alterations in hematopoietic system and drug metabolizing enzymes were investigated in male rats. Intraperitoneal administration of 20 mg/kg lead produced a significant inhibition of heme synthesis in blood and liver and drug metabolism in liver. Toxic insult by lead also resulted into a marked decline in tissue thiols and vitamin C levels. Oral supplementation of vitamin C (100 mg/kg for 3 days) completely restored blood delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, uroporphyrinogen I synthetase and a few drug metabolizing enzymes. Level of vitamin C and sulfhydryl contents too recovered to a great extent. A marked reduction in blood and liver lead concentration occurred on vitamin C supplementation although renal lead contents were marginally reduced in lead exposed animals. The results, thus, indicate a significant protective action of vitamin C against toxic effects of lead on heme synthesis and drug metabolism.

Effect of TYLCV Infection on Leaf Anatomical Structure and Protective Enzyme System of Tomato

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of tomato yellow leaf curl virus （TYLCV） infection on leaf anatomical structure and protective enzyme system of tomato. [Method] The anatomical structure of infected and healthy leaves of tomato were observed and compared by using paraffin section method. The activity changes of SOD, POD and CAT in the infected leaves of tomato were determined. [ Result] The results revealed that there were some differences in anatomical structure between healthy and infected leaves. Some cells of infected leaves were damaged so that the leaves curled and became yellow, which affected the normal function of organs. Compared with control, enzyme activities in the tomato plants infected by TYLCV were enhanced at the early periods and higher than that in control, then started to decline at the middle and late periods but lower than that in control.[ Conclusion] After infection by TYLCV, the leaf anatomical structure of tomato was changed greatly and the protective enzyme system was damaged severely, and affected the normal physJological metabolic functions of tissues and organs in tomato in further.

Effects of two kinds of transgenic poplar on protective enzymes system in the midgut of larvae of American white moth

The leaves of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) transgenic poplar (Populus nigra L.) and CpTI (Cowpea trypsin inhibitor) transgenic poplar ((P. tomentosa×P. bolleana)×P. Tomentosa) were taken to feed the 4th-5th-instar larvae of American white moth (Hyphantria cunea (Drury)) for determination of the activities of the protective enzyme system inside larvae’s body. The physiological and biochemical effects of the transgenic poplars on the larvae were studied. The results showed that the two kinds of transgenic poplars had similar effects on the protective enzyme system in the midgut of larvae. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in midgut of the larvae increased gradually, reached the highest value at a certain time, and then decreased suddenly. For the larvae that were fed with the leaves of Bt transgenic poplar, the peak value of superoxide dismutase and catalase presented at the time of 24-h feeding, while the peak of peroxidase took place at the time of 12-h feeding. The activities of these protective enzymes for the larvae that were fed with leaves of CpTI transgenic poplar peaked 12 h later than that of those fed with leaves of Bt transgenic poplar. The comparison of activities of the protective enzymes was also carried out between the larvae with different levels of intoxication. It was found that the activities of protective enzyme of the seriously intoxicant larvae were higher than that of the lightly intoxicant larvae. This difference was more obvious in the group treated with CpTI transgenic poplar.

Effects of High Temperature on Activities of Some Protective Enzymes in Mononychellus tanajoa

[Objective] Mononychellus tanajoa is a mite speices recently invaded into China in 2008. Temperature is one of the most important ecological factors affecting the growth and reproduction of M. tanajoa. The objective of the current study was to reveal the effects of high temperature incubation on the activities of some protective enzymes in M. tanajoa at different growth stages. The results would contribute to the understanding of the adaptable distribution of M. tanajoa after its invasion into China, the mechanisms in its invasion, diffusion and ecological adaptation, and the monitor- ing, early warning and effective prevention of its damage. [Method] Six protective enzymes, Le. polyphenol oxidase （PPO）, peroxidase （POD）, ascorbate oxidase （AsA- POD）, catalase （CAT）, superoxide dismutase （SOD） and esterase （EST）, were cho- sen to study their activities after the mites at different growth stages were incubated at a extremely high temperature of 42 ~C for a certain period of time up to 24 h. The activities were measured by spectrophotometric endpoint assay method. [Results] Enzyme activities in M. tanajoa were affected by the high temperature incubation. However, differences in enzyme activity changes were found among different protec- tive enzymes and among different growth stages of M. tanajoa. Activities of PPO, POD, AsA-POD and CAT were significantly increased in the larval mites and female adult mites of M. tanajoa. CAT activity was significantly decreased in protonymph and deutonymph of M. tanajoa. Activities of PPO, POD and AsA-POD in protonymph and deutonymph showed no obvious difference from the control. [Conclusion] The activity changes of some protective enzymes in M. tanajoa following high-temperature treatment are part of its anti-stress reaction mechanism. In mite protonymph and deutonymph, activities of PPO, POD and AsA-POD are similar to the untreated con- trol which may be associated with the thermostability of M. tanajoa. It is concluded that, the long-time stress of extreme temperature may result in the increase of the thermostability of mite individuals, the enhancement of the population thermal stability and subsequently lead to rapid expansion of the population.

Effects of Ethametsulfuron on Protective Enzymes and Endogenous Hormones of Rice Seedling

[Objective] The aim was to explore physiological mechanism effects in growth promotion by ethametsulfuron of lower concentration through research on content variations of protective enzymes and endogenous hormones by ethametsulfuron of low concentration. [Method] Rice of different leaf ages were treated in ethametsulfuron of two concentrations through soil culture. Leaves of rice were col- lected after 15 d. POD activity, PPO activity, and contents of GA, ZR, and ABA were measured by guaiacol-hydrogen peroxide method, catechol method, and ELISA method, respectively. [Result] After treatment by ethametsulfuron at 2 μg/kg, activity of PPO was greatly enhanced, of POD was a little lower than that of control group; contents of GA and ZR increased a lot and of ABA decreased much; GA/ABA val- ues were higher than that of control group. In contrast, with treatment of ethamet- sulfuron at 20 μg/kg, activity of POD was greatly increased, of PPO was a little low- er than that of control group; contents of GA, ZR increased a lot and of ABA was greatly decreased; ratio of GA and ABA was smaller than that of control group. Among treated leaves during the period when the seventh leaf grew, three hormones contents were so close to that of control group. [Conclusion] If rice was tested with ethametsulfuron of 2 μg/kg, value of GA/ABA in leaves was higher than that of con- trol group, for which rice growth would be promoted. When the concentration was 20 μg/kg, ratio of GA and ABA was smaller than that of control group, for which, rice growth would be inhibited, and during the seventh leaf growing, ethametsul- furon＇s effect on rice growth was weaker than that of term before the fourth one growing.

Effects of Water Stress on the Protective Enzyme Activities and Lipid Peroxidation in Roots and Leaves of Summer Maize

A systematic study was conducted to determine the effects of water stress on the activities of protective enzymes and lipid peroxidation in maize. The results showed that, under water stress, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, and peroxidase （POD） in leaves and roots increased sharply at prophase and metaphase growth stages, such as, male tetrad stage, but then declined towards the physiological maturity. The protective enzyme activities in roots were lower than those in leaves. The content of malondialdehyde （MDA） increased according to the severity of water stress. The content of MDA in roots was lower than that in leaves. The activities of protective enzymes and lipid peroxidation in roots were positively related to that in leaves with most of the correlation coefficients being significant. The content of soluble proteins in roots and leaves decreased with increasing drought stress. The ear characteristics deteriorated and the economic yields of maize decreased significantly under water stress. The main factors that caused reduction of yields were the decrease in the number of ear kernels and 100-kernel weight.

Protective enzyme activity and physiological properties of four mulberry varieties affected by drought stress in the Panxi Region of Sichuan Province, China

In order to identify the effects of drought stress on protective enzyme activity and physiological properties, four mulberry varieties, i.e.,＇Nanye- 1＇, ＇Yunsang- 1＇, ＇Xinyizhilai＇ and ＇Husang-32＇ in the Panxi Region of Sichuan Province, China, were selected. The activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD） and catalase （CAT） in four mulberry varieties was determined. Soluble protein, soluble sugar, proline, net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of mulberry leaves were analyzed. The results show that during the early stages of drought stress, protective enzyme activities in four mulberry varieties continually increased. However, prolonged and intensified drought stress decreased their activities. After re-watering, they gradually returned to normal levels. Under drought stress and after re-watering, ＇Nanye-l＇ and ＇Yunsang-l＇ clearly showed smaller changes in soluble protein content than the ＇Xinyizhilai＇ and ＇Husang-32＇ varieties, whereas changes in their soluble sugar content were clearly greater than these last two varieties. When water deficit was protracted and intensified, ＇Nanye-1＇ and ＇Yunsang-1＇ still showed higher net photosynthetic, transpiration rates and water-use efficiency than ＇Xinyizhilai＇ and ＇Husang-32＇.

Changes of Protective Enzymes and Accumulation of Polyamines Induced by Boron Deficiency in Roots of Rape Seedlings

The effects of boron deficiency on the membrane permeability, the lipid peroxidation of membrane, the activities of the protective enzymes and the accumulation of polyamines in the roots of rape ( Brassica napus L. cv Zhongyou 821) plants were examined using solution culture experiment. Compared to the 20 mmol B m -3 treatment, boron deficient treatment (2 mmol B m -3 ) decreased root dry weight and increased the rate of solute leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the roots of rape. Similar patterns of change were observed in the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA concentration) and the rate of solute leakage under boron deficiency. Results suggested that a significant alteration of membrane composition had occurred under B deficiency. The concentration of putrescine and the ratio of putrescine to spermidine + spermine in the roots of rape increased significantly, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase decreased in the roots of rape during B deficiency. But peroxidase activity in root of B deficient plant was higher than that of control plant.

Effects of Phenolic Acids on Growth and Activities of Membrane Protective Enzymes of Cucumber Seedlings

Two phenolic acids P-hydroxy benzoic acid and cinnamic acid were designated as four concentrations (0, 50 μmol/L, 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L) to investigate the effects of phenoic acids on the growth and the activities of membrane protective enzymes of cucumber seedlings. The results showed that both phenolic acids inhibited the seedlings growth. The inhibitory effects were increased with the concentration of phenolic acids increasing and the time of treatment prolonging. Seedlings treated with A150 (P-hydroxy benzoic acid, 150 μmol/L), B50 (cinnamic acid, 50 μmol/L), B100 (cinnamic acid, 100 μmol/L), B150 (cinnamic acid, 150 μmol/L) showed significantly shorter in plant height , smaller in leaf area. and lighter in fresh weight. The inhibitory effect of cinnamic acid was comparatively stronger than that of P-hydroxy benzoic acid. For protective enzymes system, compared to control , the POD activity increased at all concentrations of P-hydroxy benzoic acid during the treatment but increased at first then decreased before increased again at last at all concentrations of cinnamic acid .In the case of CAT, its activity increased at first, then decreased, and increased again at lower concentrations of phenolic acids. However, at higher concentrations the activities decreased at first, then increased a little, decreased continuously at last. In addition, the treatments of phenolic acids led to an increase then a decreaseof SOD activity and an increase of MDA content in the seedlings. All above indicated the accumulating of free radicalsand destruction of protective enzymes at higher concentrations of phenolic acids.

Response of Osmotic Regulation Substance Content and Protective Enzyme Activities to Shading in Leaves of Different Rice Genotypes

Effects of shading at the flowering and grain filling stages on osmotic regulation substance content and protective enzyme activities in the leaves of different rice genotypes （e.g., Ilyou 498, Gangyou 188, Dexiang 4103, Gangyou 527 and Chuanxiang 9838） were investigated. The results showed that the malondialdehyde content of Gangyou 188 significantly increased under shading, whereas those of Ilyou 498, Dexiang 4103, Gangyou 527 and Chuanxiang 9838 showed no significant differences compared to the control. The soluble sugar content significantly decreased in Ilyou 498, Gangyou 188, Dexiang 4103 and Chuanxiang 9838, whereas it did not significantly increase in Gangyou 527 under the weak light conditions （shading）. Moreover, the soluble protein content in the leaves of different genotypes tended to decrease under shading. Further, the protective enzyme activities in the leaves varied in different rice genotypes under the shading treatment. Based on the osmotic regulation substance content and the protective enzyme activities in the leaves of different rice genotypes, it was concluded that Gangyou 188 and Gangyou 527 had strong abilities to adapt to the low light conditions. In addition, the mechanism of damage to rice leaves in different genotypes under shading was discussed.

Effects of Vitamin E on the Activities of Protective Enzymes and Membrane Lipid Peroxidation in Leymus Chinensis under Drought Stress

Leymus chinensis seedlings were treated with 0.05--10 mmol/L vitamin E under osmotic stress in the presence of polyethylene glycol（PEG） as the stress reagent. The effects of the different concentrations of exogenous vitamin E on the activities of SOD, POD and free proline, and the MDA contents under drought stress were examined so as to ascertain the mechanism of Leymus chinensis resistance to drought stress and explore the possible preventive measures. The results indicate that the activities of SOD and POD decreased but the free proline and MDA contents increased as drought stress was accentuated, showing an enhancement of oxidative stress that may cause a decline in membrane stabilization. However, the activities of SOD and POD and the free proline content increased, whereas the MDA content reduced in Leymus chinensis pretreated with vitamin E in comparison with that of the control. This indicates that exogenous vitamin E enhanced the antioxidation of Leymus chinensis seedlings. It suggests that cytomembrane can be protected from damage by increasing the free proline content and the activities of SOD and POD that result in enhancing the drought resistance of Leymus chinensis seedlings.

Effects of Different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Protective Enzyme Activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5 kinds of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi( Acaulospora mellea,Glomus mosseae,Glomus versiforme,Glomus aggregatum,Glomus etunicatum) on the growth and protective enzyme activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. [Method] The growth indicators and protective enzymes activity of glycyrrhiza plants inoculated and uninoculated with fungi were compared. [Result] The plant height,basal diameter,main root length,aboveground fresh weight,underground fresh weight,aboveground dry weight and underground dry weight of the inoculated glycyrrhiza plants were increased significantly compared with those in the control( non-inoculation) group. In the inoculated glycyrrhiza plants,the growth index was significantly increased compared with that in the control group( P <0. 05); the activities of superoxide dismutase( SOD) and peroxidase( POD) increased first and then decreased; and the activity of catalase( CAT) showed a continuous rising trend. The effects of different inoculants on the growth of G. uralensis were significantly different.[Conclusion]G. etunicatum,G. mosseae and G. aggregatum had a significant effect on the growth of G. uralensis,and were superior to other fungi in resisting the adverse environment.

Effects of Low-Phosphorus Stress on Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Protective Enzyme Activities in Leaves of Different Rice (Oryza sativa)Cultivars

Membrane lipid peroxidation and protective enzyme activity in leaves of low-phosphorus-tolerant rice cultivars Dalidao and Liantangzao 3, and low-phosphorus-sensitive cultivars Huzhanqi and Xinsanbaili were studied under low phosphorus stress with sandy culture. Results indicated that low-phosphorus stress aggravated the membrane lipid peroxidation in rice leaves, and it was more severe in low-phosphorus-sensitive cultivars than that in low-phosphorus-tolerant eultivars. During the period of low-phosphorus stress, the activities of SOD, CAT and POD maintained relatively stable in low-phosphorustolerant cultivars, whereas those increased obviously at early stage and subsequently decreased rapidly in the low-phosphorus-sensitive cultivars, suggesting that the absolute activities of protective enzymes had no relation with the low-phosphorus stress, while the changing trend was reverse.

Change in Activities of Protective Enzymes in New Strains of Cichorium intybus L. Mutated in Outer Space under Water Stress

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of space mutation on the activities of protective enzymes in different strains of Cichorium intybus L. and provide theoretical basis for screening drought-tolerant plants in southern karst area. [Method] C. intybus seeds were sent into outer space by ＇Shijian No.8＇ seed- breeding satellite. The new strains and original variety of C. intybus L. were used as experimental materials to determine the activities of catalase （CAT）, peroxidase （POD）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and malondialdehyde （MDA） content. [Result] The results showed that MDA content in PA-82, Puna chicory and PA-43 increased gradually with the increase of water stress duration, which was enhanced by 0.575, 0.72 and 0.844 μmol/g respectively at 12 days. In addition, the activities of SOD, POD and CAT increased rapidly; at 9 days, the activities of SOD in PA-82, Puna chicory and PA-43 were enhanced by 878.9, 809.2 and 711.1 U/g, with the increas- ing range of 139.1%, 136.7% and 121.1%, respectively; the activities of POD were enhanced by 4 397, 3 754 and 2 767 U/（g ·min）, with the increasing range of 265.84%, 257.65% and 204.06%, respectively; the activities of CAT were enhanced by 402.1, 277.1 and 170.9 KU/L, with the increasing range of 73.08%, 39.69% and 26.20%, respectively; subsequently, the activities of these three protective enzymes were reduced significantly; at 12 days, the activities of SOD in PA-82, Puna chicory and PA-43 were reduced to 1206.5, 1144.7 and 1108.6 U/g, respectively; the activi- ties of POD were reduced to 3 145, 2 876 and 2 753 U/（g·min） , respectively; the activities of CAT were reduced to 587.2, 698.1 and 584.1 KU/L, respectively. [Con- clusion] According to the results of comprehensive evaluation, drought resistance in three C. intybus varieties exhibited a descending order of PA-82 〉 Puna chicory 〉 PA-43.

Effect of SOD_M on Protective Enzymes in Leaves of Rice during Filling Period

[ Objective ] This study aimed to investigate the effect of superoxide dismutase mimics （ SODM ） on protective enzyme activities of rice during filling pe- riod. [ Method] Hybrid rice and conventional rice varieties were used as experimental materials and sprayed with SODM. Activities of protective enzymes and con- tents of ASA, MDA, H20~ and 02- in rice leaves were determined. [ Result] SODM can significantly increase SOD, POD and CAT activities in leaves of rice dur- ing titling period, maintain the MDA, H202 and 02- contents at retatively low levels, and reduce rice peroxidation. [ Conclusion] SODM enhances the activities of antioxidant protective enzymes in plants and the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen free radicals, thereby delaying the senescence of rice and enhancing the ability of photosynthesis in the middle to late tilling period, which is conducive to improve the yield and quality of rice.

Leaf Senescence Characteristics and Responses to Water Shortage of Different Hybrid Rice Cultivars during Grain Filling Stage

[Objective] The pattern of leaves senescence was studied to provide reference for the planting technology and breeding rice cultivars resistant to premature senescence. [Method] Six hybrid rice cultivars were cultivated under limited and conventional irrigation managements; after the heading of rice, the root activities, nitrogen content in leaves, chlorophyll content （SPAD value）, net photosynthetic rate and the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD）, catalase （CAT） were determined. [Result] The rhythms in attenuation of xylem sap flow rate, leaf nitrogen content, chlorophyll content （SPAD value） and net photosynthetic rate of different rice cultivars were significantly different in attenuation starting time, attenuation frequency and attenuation range. Physiological indexes of different cultivars responded inconsistently to water shortage. Extremely significantly positive correlations were found between the decline rates of chlorophyll content and leaf nitrogen content and xylem sap flow rate of roots, the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content. The changes in activities of SOD, CAT and POD were different, and responded to water shortage differently in different cultivars. The change dynamic of leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll content was positively related with the activity dynamic of SOD and CAT. The change dynamic of leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll content was negatively related with the malondialdehyde （MDA） content. The difference in the attenuation rhythm of physiological indexes of leaves and response to water shortage of different hybrid rice cultivars were related to genotype difference. Increasing roots activities and protecting enzyme activities of leaves benefit to defer attenuation of chlorophyll content and nitrogen content of leaves and to keep stronger photosynthetic function. [Conclusion] The senescence resistance of rice is a combined result of genotype differences and physiological response to environment.

Influencing Factors on Rice Sheath Blight Epidemics in Integrated Rice-Duck System

Sheath blight, a disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn （anamorph）, has been the most economically significant disease of rice. It was frequently reported that the disease was well-controlled in integrated rice-duck system without the employment of fungicides. However, the effecting factors behind this phenomenon were rarely reported. In this research, experiment was carried out between two treatments, rice combined with ducks （RD） and conventional rice field without ducks rearing （CK） in early season rice paddy, to investigate the variations of sclerotia in floodwater and on rice plant, microclimate 10 cm above the waterline in rice paddy and activity of protective enzymes in rice plants. The results showed that the floating sclerotia in floodwater in RD was 86-91% lower than that in CK, and adhering sclerotia in rice plant in RD was 67-78% lower than that in CK. The relative humidity tested significantly lower and light intensity tested significantly higher in RD. The temperature in the early rice growth stages in RD was slightly lower than that in CK, but it was significantly higher （32.3-36.5~C） in the middle stage rice growth stages. The polyphenoloxidase （PPO） activity in RD were lower than that in CK, but the enhanced activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase （PAL）, peroxidase （POD） and Chitinase was observed in different stages of rice growth in RD, especially the Chitinase which showed higher activity in all investigating days.

Effect of Rare Earths on Plants under Supplementary Ultraviolet-B Radiation: Ⅱ. Effect of Cerium on Antioxidant Defense System in Rape Seedlings under Supplementary Ultraviolet-B Radiation

Effects of cerium （Ce^3＋ ） on membranous protective enzymes in rape seedlings exposed to two levels of enhanced uhraviolet-B radiation （UV-B, 280 - 320 nm） were studied by hydroponics in the laboratory. The results show that the chlorophyll content decreases and membrane permeability increases in the leaves under UV-B irradiation with an intensity of 0.15 and 0.35 W·m^-2. The activities of SOD, CAT and POD are first increased and then decreased in leaves exposed to a low level of UV-B radiation. POD activity in leaves exposed to a high level of UV-B radiation is enhanced constantly. The sensitivities of these enzymes to UV-B radiation are SOD 〉 CAT 〉 POD. The injury by UV-B radiation on the functions of protective enzymes is lightened, their ability to scavenge radicals is improved, and the membrane permeability is maintained by Ce. Furthermore, the protective effect of cerium is more obvious in plants exposed to low levels of UV-B radiation than to high levels of it. Accordingly, all results prove that the protective effect of Ce on plants under UV-B radiation is realized through the protective system of plants.

Mechanism of Effect of Lanthanum Nitrate on Vigor of Aged Rice Seeds

The effect of La(NO3)(3) on natural or artificial aged rice seeds vigor was studied. The results show that the germination rate, germination index and vigor index of aged rice seed increase. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase are enhanced. . O-2(-) and malond ialdehyde contents decrease in germinating stage of aged rice seed, and cell membrane permeability of aged rice seeds reduces by treating with La(NO3)(3). The vigor increase of rice natural aged seed is greater than that of artificial aged rice seeds by treating with La(NO3)(3).