Effects of Melatonin-Soaked Seeds on Photosynthetic Pigment Contents and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Broadbean (Vicia faba) Seedlings

Abstract

Abstract:In order to discuss the melatonin (MT) on photosynthetic pigment contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of vegetables, broadbean (Vicia faba) seeds were soaked in five doses (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 µmol/L) of MT and then planted in pots containing cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. The 50-and 100-µmol/L MT doses had no significant effects on the contents of chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll and carotenoid in broadbean seedlings, while the 150-and 200-µmol/L MT doses increased them. MT also increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, and the contents of soluble protein in broadbean seedlings compared with their respective controls. Thus, MT could improve the resistance of broadbean seedlings to Cd stress.