THE ROLE OF ACTIVE OXYGEN IN IRON TOLERANCE OF RICE (ORYZA-SATIVA L)

Iron tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) was investigated using an oxygen depleted hydroculture system. Treatment with high concentrations of Fe2+ induced yellowing and bronzing symptoms as well as iron coatings at the root surface. Root and shoot growth were inhibited by increasing iron concentration in the medium. All symptoms were more pronounced in an iron sensitive cultivar (IR 64) compared to an iron tolerant one (IR 9764-45-2). Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity of root extracts of IR 97 were about twice that of IR 64 in untreated control plants. No significant increase of peroxidase activity was detected with increasing iron concentration in the medium. Catalase activity of IR 64 was slightly higher than that of IR 97, independent of iron concentration.