Effect of soil herbicides on the antioxidant system of maize vegetative organs during ontogenesis

The impact of soil herbicides Harnes, Frontier and Merlin on the activity of enzymes superoxid dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), and benzidine peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) in maize (Zea mays L.; cultivar Kadr 267 MV) roots and leaves was studied in the field experiment. It was established that the adaptation of maize plants to the herbicides treatment was accompanied by significant activation of antioxidant enzymes both in roots (39%, 57%, and 67% above control level) and leaves (50%, 64%, and 77% above control), respectively during different vegetation stages (shoots emergence; 3–5 leaves phase; florescence). The herbicides-induced changes of enzymes activity high correlated with ontogenetic dynamics of control plants activity: r = 0.98 for SOD; r = 0.96 for POD; r = 0.98 for CAT.