Ozone Impacts on Soluble Carbohydrates, Antioxidant Activity andMacro-element Concentrations in Rice Seedling

The present study describes carbohydrate metabolism, macro-element utilization and antioxidant defenses in response to an ozone dose (100 ppb, 8d) in two rice varieties. Tolerant (cv. Jinpumbyeo) and sensitive (cv. Chucheongbyeo) varieties of rice were grown in growth chamber for 30 days after sowing. Concentrations of chloroplast pigments and non-structural carbohydrates as well as activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined to evaluate the resistance against ozone stress. Ozone caused the decrease in chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents, and also resulted in faster decomposition of non-structural carbohydrate in leaf blade and leaf sheath. The contents of nitrogen and potassium in leaves were visibly decreased in cv. Chucheongbyeo with an increase in ozone exposure, but not in cv. Jinpumbyeo. Enzymatic antioxidants against ROS in both varieties responded in the order of POD, SOD and CAT, and their capacity was stronger in cv. Jinpumbyeo.