Antioxidant enzymes activity of Cistus Ladanifer L. from areas non contaminated in trace elements

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and the concentrations of As, Cu, Pb and Zn in leaves from two populations of Cistus ladanifer growing on soils non-contaminated with trace elements (Caldeirão and Pomarão), but with different climatic conditions and in two different seasons (spring and summer).

In both areas, total and available concentrations (DTPA extraction) of trace elements in soils were low. The distribution of elements for young and mature leaves was similar between areas and seasons. The enzyme activities varied with the plant population. Leaves collected in the two seasons, except young leaves from Pomarão collected in summer, showed enzymatic activity in the soluble and ionic fractions. Comparing the seasons and sampling areas, C. ladanifer enzymatic activities represent a tolerance mechanism to different stress factors (UV radiation, high air temperature in summer, drought, low-medium fertility in soils, trace element concentrations in soil), giving it a high plasticity.