Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Radish (Raphunus sativa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), mustard (Brassica juncea), and spinach (Spinacea oleracea) plants were grown in earthen pots watered with aqueous solutions containing 0, 5, and 10 mg F/L. Fluoride (F) uptake and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (unit/mg protein/min) were estimated from the edible plant parts following harvest after 60 days. The values of
both entities rose with increasing F exposure in the order radish > coriander > spinach > mustard. The results indicate that plant species tolerant to F toxicity induce higher antioxidant SOD activity, which may be an adaptive reaction in plant cells to attenuate the damaging effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during F stress.