Antioxidant systems in soybean and maize seedlings infected with rhizoctonia solani

Changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in soybean (cv. Becejka) and maize (hybrid NS 640) seedlings were studied after inoculation with Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2 IIIB. Enzymes such as plant peroxidases and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were induced in the analyzed organs of both plant species. Nevertheless, increase in superoxide dismutase activity was recorded only in infected maize roots. After inoculation, lipid peroxidation was enhanced only in soybean plants. Seedlings showed ability to accumulate phenolic compounds, some of which correlated with disease intensity. A significant decrease in total carotenoid amounts was recorded in infected soybean and maize plants. After R. solani infection, the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems were more efficient in maize than in soybean seedlings