Alterations in peroxidase activity and peroxidase isozymes in virus-infected plants

Peroxidase activity and isozyme patterns were investigated in two leguminous species infected with viruses which produced either local necrotic or systemic chlorotic symptoms, Highest peroxidase activity was recorded when the hosts reacted to infection with necrotic local lesions. No new virus-specific isozymes were found as a result of infection, but some isozymes, apparently associated with senescence, appeared earlier in extracts from leaves showing necrosis than in extracts from healthy leaves, or from infected leaves showing only very mild chlorosis. Increase in peroxidase activity was accompanied by alteration in isozyme pattern.