Triadimefon mediated changes in antioxidant and indole alkaloid content in two species of datura

Abstract

The triadimefon induced changes in antioxidant potential and alkaloid production of Datura fastuosa and Datura innoxia were studied. Both varieties were subjected to 15 mg L -1 triadimefon treatment by soil drenching on 55, 65 and 80 Days after Planting (DAP). The plants were harvested on 60, 75 and 90 DAP and used for analyzing antioxidant contents, antioxidative enzymes and indole alkaloid activities. The antioxidants like ascorbic acid, a-tocopherol and reduced glutathione were found increased under Triadimefon (TDM) treatment when compared to control plants. The antioxidative enzymes like superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities and indole alkaloid content increased in both the varieties under triadimefon treatment when compared to control (con) plants. The antioxidant potentials viz., Ascorbic Acid (AA), a-tocopherol and reduced Glutathione (GSH) were found increased under triadimefon treatment. The antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Catalase (CAT) activities showed slight changes in both the species under triadimefon treatment when compared to control plants. Indole alkaloid content increased significantly under triadimefon treatment. These preliminary results suggest that, the application of triadimefon maybe a useful tool to increase the antioxidant potential and alkaloid content in medicinal plants. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.