Abstract

The present work is aimed at the study of Artea (a systemic fungicide) effects on durum wheat (Triticum durum L. CV. Hard GTA). Seeds were grown in a medium containing 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm of Artea under controlled conditions. Roots of eight day old were used to determine the enzymatic activities of catalase, ascorbate-peroxydase and guaïacol-peroxydase. Root respiratory activity was also determined using a polarographic method (Clarck electrode). The results after treatment with Artea show an enhancement of respiratory activity and increased levels of antioxidative enzymes in durum wheat roots. Activities of catalase, ascorbate-peroxydase and guaïacol-peroxydase increased proportionally and were more meaningful at high concentrations (75 and 100 ppm). Modulations in respiratory metabolism and antioxidant system could probably be the result of Artea induced toxicity which could cause an oxidative stress state.

Key words: Toxicity, respiratory activity, antioxidant system, azole fungicides, catalase, Artea, ascorbate-peroxydase, guaïacol-peroxydase, Triticum durum.