Triadimefon induced changes in the antioxidant metabolism and ajmalicine production in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.

The effects of triadimefon, a triazole compound on the antioxidant potentials and root alkaloid ajmalicine content were studied in two varieties, rosea and alba of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don., an important medicinal plant. The plants of both the varieties were subjected to 15 mg l−1 triadimefon treatment by soil drenching on 53, 68 and 83 days after planting (DAP). The plants were harvested on 60, 75 and 90 days after planting and the antioxidant potentials and ajmalicine content were estimated. The antioxidant potentials viz., ascorbic acid (AA), α-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 varieties under triadimefon treatment when compared to control plants. Indole alkaloid ajmalicine content increased significantly under triadimefon treatment. The increase in ajmalicine content was more in rosea variety than in alba variety. These preliminary results suggest that, the application of triadimefon may be a useful tool to increase the alkaloid production in medicinal plants.