The effect of hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment on copper stress

The effect of low concentration of hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment on leaf water potential, proline and total soluble protein contents, the level of reducing sugar, the amount of ions and dry weight of plant leaves were investigated in two different species (Akpınar and Pegaso) of maize (Zea mays L.) plants exposed to copper stress.For this purpose, leaf water potential of plants were measured psychometrically, the amount of reducing sugar, proline, soluble protein and ions were determined spectrophotometrically.Although copper stress increased the amount of reducing sugar and proline, it decreased water content, dry weight, ions and total soluble protein contents compared to control. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment significantly reduced the loss of water content, dry weight, ions and soluble protein of plants. Hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment increased the amounts of reducing sugar and proline more than control plants.According to these results, it was concluded that low concentration of hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment reduced the negative impact of stress by providing osmotic adjustment.