Effect of salt and drought stress on antioxidant enzymes activities and SOD isoenzymes of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch)

The effects of salinity and drought on the antioxidative system (SOD, POD, CAT) were studied in liquorice seedlings (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch). The results showed that both salt and drought stresses could induce oxidative stress, as indicated by the increase level of lipid peroxidation. The activities of SOD and POD were up-regulated by salt and drought stress, while CAT activity decreased. An additional MnSOD isoenzyme was detected in liquorice subjected to 2%NaCl stress. The data also showed that although the activity of SOD was differentially influenced by drought and salinity, the changes of antioxidant enzyme activities subjected to drought stress follow a pattern similar to that subjected to salt stress, indicating that similar defensive systems might be involved in the oxidative stress injury in liquorice.