Protective responses of tolerant and sensitive wheat seedlings to systemic and local zearalenone application – Electron paramagnetic resonance studies

Abstract Background Mycotoxins are among the environmental stressors whose oxidative action is currently widely studied. The aim of this paper was to investigate response seedling leaves zearalenone (ZEA) applied (directly) and grains (indirectly) in tolerant sensitive wheat cultivars. Results Biochemical analyses antioxidant activity were performed for chloroplasts showed a similar decrease irrespective plant sensitivity way ZEA application. On other hand, higher amounts superoxide radical (microscopic observations) generated plants grown from incubated solution cultivar. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies that upon treatment greater numbers Mn - aqua complexes formed cultivar than those one, whereas degradation Fe-protein occurred independently sensitivity. Conclusion changes quantity stable, organic radicals by stabilizing reactive oxygen species on biochemical macromolecules, indicated potential their generation leaf tissues subjected foliar treatment. This suggested an important role these protective mechanisms mainly against direct toxin action. defense activated depended method